Rose, aged 15, is a great fan of Para Dance. She has been taking part in Para Dance, since COVID, for about five years. When I asked her why she likes it so much, after a moment’s thought, she smiled broadly and commented “I like it because I feel sense of freedom inside me. When I dance, it lifts my body up. It helps my body – my hip and my heart.”
This is important to Rose because she faces a number of challenges in her life. She has Down syndrome and is a wheelchair user. This doesn’t stop her enjoying dance. She was born with large holes in her heart and gastric and hip problems. In our chat, I soon realised that Rose is a fighter and she tackles life head on. I was meeting Rose and her mother Jan, to talk about Rose’s experience of Para Dance.
Rose has lived in St Albans all her life. She went to Bernards Heath Primary School and currently is a student at Loreto College. We were meeting in a local cafe where she is clearly well known and liked by the staff. This doesn’t surprise me as Rose has a wonderful, very engaging smile. She has a good sense of humour, smiles a lot, and has a positive outlook on life. She leads a busy life which includes Girl Guides, church, Special Olympics gym and aerobics sessions, Salmon Swimming Club, and Para Dance. I felt fortunate to be fitted into Rose’s busy schedule.
I asked Jan what she did. With a smile, she explained “I’m the PA! I run Rose’s social calendar.” I recognised that she does so much more. She helps run the Hertfordshire-based charity Up on Downs, which supports the families of children and young people with Down syndrome to lead more engaged and fulfilling lives. Jan added, “I’m a volunteer in Bernards Heath School and listen to children reading. And I’m a lollipop lady!” She set up, and helps to run, a Girlguiding unit for girls with special needs. Up on Downs is a big part in the lives of Jan, Rose and their family. Rose’s dad is very supportive and she has two brothers. Busy people.