When a Melbourne mum started dance classes for her daughter with Down syndrome five years ago, she had no idea of the revolution that she was sparking. Sue Smethurst reports.
Twelve years ago, as Cate Sayers nursed her newborn in her arms, processing the fact that her baby girl, Alle, had Down syndrome, she made a silent pledge that she would fight tooth and nail to knock down any barrier that may get in the way of her daughter reaching her full potential.
She didn’t imagine that it would involve the creation of a cutting-edge school of dance and movement for children with Down syndrome.
“E.motion 21, evolved organically and has become something very powerful that is really important not only for the individuals, but also their families and the community,” Cate says.
The 41-year-old invited The Weekly to come along to the annual e.motion21 Dance Spectacular to see the joy, spine-tingling and uplifting kaleidoscope of colour, movement, energy and inspiration.
Read the full-story in the November issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
Cate with her daughter and inspiration, Alle. Photography by Julian Kingma and Eamon Gallagher
There were big smiles on stage.
There were more than 200 dancers in the annual e.motion Dance Spectacular.
Matilda, 6, looked happy to be a part of the performance.
“We need to combat the negative perceptions of people living with Down syndrome,” Cate says.
Jeton is ready to roar. Styling by Rebecca Rac
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