Not the same old song and dance
Children's programs show value of alternative therapies
While acupuncture and massage are often used as alternative therapies for people in need of relief from pain or stress, two Children's Hospital Boston programs show that sometimes all patients need is an alternative to therapy to make them feel better. After all, sometimes the best medicine is the kind you don't even know you're getting.
The music therapy program, established in 2001 with funding from the Children's Hospital League, brings the joy of music to patients' bedsides. For the patients, playing instruments takes their minds off of a sometimes frightening place. "Engaging these children with songs truly puts their minds and bodies at ease," says Child Life Specialist Ingrid Dahlin, who often uses her guitar to raise the spirits of cancer patients.
Another hospital program brings children with special needs together outside the hospital to socialize. Mickey Cassella, PT, acting director of Physical Therapy at Children's, came up with the idea of a dance class where children with Down Syndrome could interact in a fun and active atmosphere. She contacted the Boston Ballet, who agreed to lend the use of a studio, and her friend Gino DiMarco, a Boston Ballet dancer, who volunteered to run the class.
DiMarco taught the children some unique steps, including chugging around the studio as a train, doing the wave and ending every class with a group hug.
Janet Slemenda, whose son Nicholas didn't want to take part in the class because "ballerinas wear dresses," noticed a big change by the time the class was over. "He was really disappointed when it ended. He's still talking about how much fun he had."
Cassella hopes the program can be expanded and used as a model for dance companies throughout the country. "Even though these children have special needs they love playing with others their age and need activities to boost their self-esteem, just like any other child."
