I new it would be an emotionally intense evening from the moment I stepped into my professor’s car which smelt overwhelmingly of my grandpa’s van back when my grandma was still alive. So basically it smelt like cigarette smoke confined to a van but it brought back so many emotions and so many memories it was hard to keep the conversation going with my professor and his daughter as they tried to make the whole situation a little less awkward as we all sped toward the unknown.
When we got to the school for the blind we were led up onto a stage overlooking the performance and the kids (or rather young adults.) I didn’t really like this placing at first because I felt almost like it was sort of symbolic, placing us above everyone, giving us some sort of power that I wasn’t comfortable having. However after it started and the lights were turned down I was glad to be on that stage so I could take in the whole scene below me instead of just a partial view which is surely what I would have gotten if seated on the floor.
I don’t think I was as shocked as others at the level of the disabilities present. In fourth or fifth grade my class was paired with first or second grade class to be their big buddies and I, along with another girl in my class, was matched with a young boy named David who had Downs Syndrome. He was a great kid and I loved being his big buddy but we often had to go to the room where the disabled kids met to retrieve him and there we saw many kids with pretty severe disabilities. They’ve always scared me and fascinated me at the same time and I’ve spent many an hour wondering what it must be like for them.
The story presented was of an orphan girl who buys a pair of red shoes intended for the “untouchables” (the disabled surrounding the performance space, lounging on mats and beanbags, some still in their chairs.) The shoes end up being cursed and the wearer can’t stop dancing and can’t get anyone to help her until she finally learns her lesson.
It didn’t take me long to realize that the performance was more about the audience than it was the actual performance. It was about engaging the children with disabilities and getting them to interact. I mean, I knew that that was the intent of MEAC but it was a whole different thing actually being there and seeing it happen and watching these kids respond to Joanne. And being the musically inclined person I am I couldn’t help but notice how they were responding to the music as well. They would start bobbing in time with it and I could just see the glee on their faces. Of course one of the best parts of the whole night was at the end when she got those that could up and dancing. I don’t even know how to explain. It was magical, it was awe-inspiring, it was beautiful, it was incredible, and I have to admit that completely overwhelmed with the whole experience I started crying at that moment. And then MEAC kids from the past started trouping in with presents and hugs, as it was the anniversary of her starting MEAC. I am so lucky to have been able to be there that night.
Of course that wasn’t the only great part. Watching these kids react when Joanne or any of her helpers came around and stroked them and talk to them or sprinkled glitter on them was incredible. They seemed to open up to her and give back just as much as she was giving to them. They reached out to her as she reached towards them. It was beautiful. Another highlight was when, downcast and hopeless, Joanne went up to a boy and sadly said something along the lines of “help me” and he instinctively opened his arms for an embrace. Truly touching.
I wish I knew these kids better both in that I got to participate in MEAC for CBL and even outside of MEAC to see how fully it touches them. Unfortunately MEAC conflicts with my class schedule so I don’t have that opportunity, but I know this is an experience I won’t forget. It’ll stay with me and hopefully I’ll get another opportunity to attend and maybe help out.
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