India-based dance company partners with South African organisation to work for disabled persons

An India-based globally-recognised wheelchair dance company will collaborate for three years with a South African organisation for the disabled persons to deepen understanding of the needs of differently-abled persons.

The Bangalore-based 'Miracle on Wheels', world's first professional dance company on wheelchairs, was hosted by the Nakshatra South Africa (NSA) and the IADA (Indian Arts Development Agency) for a dance performance here to promote Disability Month in South Africa.

"Nakshatra SA will partner with 'Miracle on Wheels' over a three-year period to deepen understanding of the needs of differently-abled persons in society," said Jeremy Deysel, Media Manager for NSA.

"The initiative confronts education, unemployment and a lack of opportunity within the sphere of the arts, and is a specially tailored therapeutic vocational training programme, that is professionally choreographed, to eradicate stereotyping," Deysel said.

The 'Miracle on Wheels' recognises, nurtures and promotes the potential and talents of differently-abled youth to build tolerance, empower and embrace inclusivity.

"This project has brought meaning and relief for the performers and gives hope to the audiences where they feel inspired to learn new skills and contribute to the financial needs of themselves and their families," said Miracle on Wheels' Syed Sallauddin Pasha, a dance expert.

Among the aims of the project are creating a cultural platform to engage with beneficiaries and civil society as well as nurturing inclusivity and audience development, through holistic and dynamic edutainment programmes.

"Miracle on Wheels has developed me professionally to edit film and sound, which is an additional source of income. Today I am financially independent and run my home with pride and dignity," said Ashiq Usman, a physically challenged youth.

The NSA plays a significant role in supporting the development of South African arts, artists and communities and persons living with disabilities.