Deaf students in dance training

From: News Today - India - Dec 7, 2004

NT Bureau
Chennai,Dec 7:

'I work with them not because I sympathise with them. I work with these people, like I do with any other normal person', Astad Deboo, pioneer of modern dance in India, said on his experience working with the deaf people.

Speaking at the function,'Face to Face with Astad Deboo',organised by the Duchess Club, here, yesterday he said that he has been associated with the Clarke School for the Deaf for the past few years and enjoyed working there.

Astad, a receiptent of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the highest honour bestowed on creative performers by the Government of India , performed on stage his unique style of dancing. His truly varied works were highly appreciated by the audience.

Eight girls from the Clarke School for the Deaf performed on stage a twelve-minute work on Bakthirasa, which is one among the navarasas.

Astad Deboo's work has also been chosen to be a part of the opening ceremony of the Deaf Olympic Games at Melbourne, Australia.

© News Today - India