James from JannaIi Sydney is 12 years old and has attended Twinkle Stars since its inception
James has Down Syndrome. He is an original member of Twinkle Stars dance School when it was formed soooo many years ago.
As a child with a disability there weren’t / aren’t many opportunities to join any type of group activities without wondering when you are going to be asked to leave. Be it behaviour, unable to keep up with the other children or perhaps your looks. Twinkle Stars Dance School has turned that around for James, us and so many other families.
Twinkle Stars is not judgemental and accepts you as you are. Since starting Twinkle Stars it is the only activity James has always stuck with.
Dancing allows James to develop his confidence, independence and coordination in a setting of acceptance, fun and without prejudice. He is just one of the kids In the early days of Twinkle Stars we parents had to help our children literally stay on the dance floor It was great therapy for the children and great exercise for us parents.
This no longer happens as all the students dance independently. This helps the new students pick up the routines much quicker and allows them to be less dependant on others. Over the years we have made many friends for our children as well as for us.
We look forward every week to discuss our ups and downs, pass on any information that we have leaned and just enjoy each other’s company while we watch our children dance. We also look forward to our annual concert, though at times this can be nerve-racking for the parents.
The children love dressing up in their costumes and performing for a roaring crowd. l We also like the times when we have gone away to Dream World on the Gold Coast to perform. Its great fun when a big group of families in the same situation can enjoy themselves without fearing what others may think of us – we are one big happy family looking after each other.
Twinkle Stars isn’t just about James and his disability its about all of us. Thank you to our wonderful teachers Justyne, June and Belinda, because of you and your determination our kids have a chance to shine.