Music and Dance

Music is the Divine art which we use as a therapy, while dance is a very effective medium to channelize the energy not only in overactive children but in adolescents also. It is observed that music has positive effect on all mentally challenged, irrespective of degree of retardation. Borderline cases can tell us how they feel about a particular form of music. But most of them though can not express their response do have liking or disliking. It is thus, left to us to find out the response. The more minutely and closely we observe, we could be more correct in our inference. But one thing is certain that music has a very positive role in the development of mentally challenged children. This is not limited to only special education but in vocational training, rehabilitation units and in the overall management.

If the music teacher has good knowledge of music and at the same time is keenly interested in the development of the mentally challenged, then he can very well guess the form of music suitable to the particular student or group of students. Dance especially in group is very effective that helps to channelize the energy. We realize it or not, but the fact is, mental disability does not mean sexual disability. It is this reality that makes the problem of adult and adolescent mentally challenged more complex. Dance, thus helps in channelizing this extra energy and helps in controlling the sexual behavior which otherwise becomes very difficult for parents to manage. Dance, further helps in the form of exercise also. It also enhances coordinated movements and helps in developing sense of co-operation. While getting all these benefits it is needless to mention, it is not only recreation but fun and enjoyment also.