Down Sydrome Divas Defy Disabilities.

This is not Kung Fu related  but I thought everyone might enjoy a laugh.

Names have been changed though :)

What is unique and amazing about the school's program is they take these special needs adults, train them, and then take them all over the world to perform. I work with the top students once a week on a ballet piece. Within those top performers there are two Down Syndrome Divas. Karolyn is one, and so is Dani. This is a story about how we lifted Dani ;)

"We are going to do a lift." I said. "I know you have done it before, so we are going try lifting people to see who lifts best."

"Does everyone get a turn to be lifted?" Dani asked in her soft vowel way of speaking.

"Um, well....we'll see. Maybe we can all have a turn. I...just... I really need you as a "lift'er", because I can count on you to be strong." I blundered. I always have to be careful how I speak, turning every "no" into a compliment.

"But I've never been lifted." Dani protested.

I could only shrug and directed my efforts to others in the group. After several attempts, I made up my mind. We were lifting a girl named Kate. To deflect the curious and eager stares of the others, I casually told them, "I was going to think about." And let them know next week.

Dani was insistent. "You said that WE ALL can have a turn." She wasn't going to let me out of it. Clearly there were others in the group we would not attempt lifting. They weren't complaining. Why did Dani have to be such a diva?

Lainey, the most renowned and strongest of the group, turned to me and blatantly said. "We have to lift her. If we don't, she won't stop. Let's just get it over with."

"Ok, but I'm going to spot her." I resolved, thinking of the injury liability I may be forcing on these special needs women. Dani, though known for her immense and amazing flexibility, was not known for being particularly petite.

I placed my hands on her hip bones. The bones were they taught the men to hold in partnering, took the male ballet second, remembering to lift with the legs and not the back. And together me and 6 special needs women hoisted Dani off the ground.

Her eyes lit up, and in a moment was gently placed back on the ground.

"Yes! Finally! I did it." Her face gleaned with unbridled happiness one only feels defying gravity.

"Well, I made my decision. We are going to lift Kate, and wow look, it's time to go." I said before anyone else got any ideas.

I grabbed my things, and passed the owner in the office.

"Great day today. We worked on a lift." I said grinning.

"Did Dani ask to be lifted?" the owner smiled.

Casually, I replied. "Yeaahhhh, we tried it, but we are going with Kate."