Dance therapy brings smiles and strength to children

The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, recently hosted a unique initiative that turned the stage into a space of joy and healing.

Titled Land of Happy, the session showcased the transformative power of dance therapy, led by Bharatanatyam exponent and cultural ambassador Sohini Roychowdhury.The programme aimed to highlight how art can serve as both expression and therapy. Drawing from the rich vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, Sohini guided students through simple mudras, movements, and rhythms that allowed them to communicate feelings beyond words.

For many of the children with intellectual disabilities, the session was not just an introduction to classical dance but also an opportunity to experience calm, confidence, and creativity. The therapy exercises encouraged self-expression and helped channel their energy into positive movement, sparking joy across the hall. Parents, teachers, and volunteers witnessed the impact first-hand as the atmosphere filled with smiles, music, and acceptance.

The session underlined the role of performing arts in holistic child development and inclusivity.Reflecting on the experience, Sohini said, “When we create happiness among children with special needs, we are not only empowering them—we are also empowering the world to be more compassionate and inclusive.”With Roychowdhury’s empathetic guidance, Land of Happy reaffirmed that dance can go beyond performance to become a language of healing.