For some days now, I had been feeling quite low and frustrated due to the stubborn writers block, which coupled with the Delhi heat and humidity had me desperately seeking for some inspiration, anywhere and everywhere. Then life magically unfolded a beautiful opportunity and in tiny hands, cheerful smiles, tapping feet and innocent souls filled with energy, warmth, love and trust, I found my much needed inspiration and few bonus life lessons!
Things never actually turn out the way you plan them, especially around kids right? For starters the playlist that I had created (after very carefully selecting both Hindi and English songs that would be apt for these little ones) wouldn't open. While I stood in front of the laptop trying very hard not to panic, the energized bunch were creating havoc all around - few flying paper planes, other showing off their dancing abilities by doing cartwheels and back-flips, all in a bid to grab my attention! How could I not smile :)
I just hit play and we started out with some easy steps. Quick to grasp and generous with suggestions and compliments I had a fabulous time taking the workshop. After a while we switched to just having fun, playing songs on their request and sweating it out, literally! My husband enjoyed the role of managing the music system and the children's demands. He was amazed at their knowledge of the latest songs and movies! From across the room I could hear his eyes speak, "we should do this more often" :)
After the session, after the sweaty hugs and giggling thank yous, there were two kids who kept hovering around. They insisted that I teach them the entire song so that they could perform in the upcoming competitions. I loved how determined they were and after repeats of 'and 5-6-7-8' they were set to go! :)
I know goodbyes are usually tough. But when you get a beautiful card saying thank you, hugs varying from shy to bear hug to bone-crushing hug, girls shouting out 'love you thousand di' and happy heads peeking through the iron gates waving goodbye, you leave with a content and happy heart thinking how you can do this all over again and soon!
I was so immersed with dancing with the kids that it completely slipped my mind to take pictures! :( I know! But I am hoping the Udayan Care volunteers who did click-click will send me a copy soon and of course then I'll share!!
Anyone feel like volunteering, do visit the Udayan Care page and see how you can help.
A month back, the dynamic duo, Sulekha and Kriti of Social Potpourri had asked me if I would be interested in conducting a Dance workshop for the children at Udayan Care, a Public Charitable Trust working towards providing a home, education, empowerment and empathy to vulnerable children, women and youth of the underprivileged society in India.
Ecstatic, my immediate response was YES! I strongly believe that Dance, more than just a means of entertainment, is a Universal language that can bind a society together spreading joy and happiness to all and this opportunity, to teach to those who matter the most in our world, I couldn't have let go.
Truth be told, I was very nervous, as hubby drove me down to the Udayan center. I have very less experience in teaching kids and here I was told I would be dealing with a group of about 30 children aged 5-9 years. Oh man!! But as soon as we entered they welcomed us with such warmth and enthusiasm, making me feel at ease in seconds. You see the role reversal here? :)
I just hit play and we started out with some easy steps. Quick to grasp and generous with suggestions and compliments I had a fabulous time taking the workshop. After a while we switched to just having fun, playing songs on their request and sweating it out, literally! My husband enjoyed the role of managing the music system and the children's demands. He was amazed at their knowledge of the latest songs and movies! From across the room I could hear his eyes speak, "we should do this more often" :)
After the session, after the sweaty hugs and giggling thank yous, there were two kids who kept hovering around. They insisted that I teach them the entire song so that they could perform in the upcoming competitions. I loved how determined they were and after repeats of 'and 5-6-7-8' they were set to go! :)
I know goodbyes are usually tough. But when you get a beautiful card saying thank you, hugs varying from shy to bear hug to bone-crushing hug, girls shouting out 'love you thousand di' and happy heads peeking through the iron gates waving goodbye, you leave with a content and happy heart thinking how you can do this all over again and soon!
I was so immersed with dancing with the kids that it completely slipped my mind to take pictures! :( I know! But I am hoping the Udayan Care volunteers who did click-click will send me a copy soon and of course then I'll share!!
Anyone feel like volunteering, do visit the Udayan Care page and see how you can help.
Seems the kids at Udayan really gave you a good time! Kids and dance, that's 2 positive forces combined :).
ReplyDeleteLoved the quotations in between the post.
Thanks Prateek! :)
DeleteGreat to know you enjoyed the activity at Udayan, Aditi. Yes children do have a magical effect. Their exuberance percolates down to the elders.
ReplyDelete:) certainly does Geeta!
DeleteKids are such sources of joy....I bet I had never realized it until recently I simply discovered the greatest joy of my life. ANyway, this incident is beautifully described. Am sure, you enjoyed the company of those munchkins
ReplyDeleteAgree Kajal! And D is a sweetheart. I had a great experience... Thanks! :)
DeleteYou have given much to the little ones that I am sure will make a lasting impact. And yet, you were the one who received so much in return
ReplyDeleteSo true Carol! You are the happiest when you spread happiness no?
DeleteYour contribution to the children was very much appreciated and liked by them. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ushaji! :)
DeleteKudos to you for doing what you did! It must have been fun with the kids at Udayan.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Felt wonderful! :)
DeleteWow! That must be an awesome experience, so enriching and so satisfying too! You did great by adding so many happy smiles and love at Udayan Care! way to go, Aditi! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Shilpa! :)
DeleteSo it seems you and the kids had a great fun...I guess now u r becoming a dancing expert carry on with the rhythm...And keep spreading the happiness and the smiles...
ReplyDeleteHarsha so glad to hear from you after so long! How are you?
DeleteThanks, it was indeed a lovely experience with the kids!
I m all fine...Aditi.. :-) and How r you?
DeleteAnd ya its been really long,actually I never thought that my Job will almost eat all of my time...But now trying to blog and as well go through few blogs that I love to read... :-)
Do come back! Blogging world has been missing you!
DeleteSounds like both you and the kids had a blast. A nice uplifting energetic post. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzy!
Deleteawesomeeeeeeeeeee ... oooh can you teach a guy with TWO na make it FOUR left feet :)
ReplyDeleteseems like a lovely experience you had and anything fun with kids is MORE FUN always
Bikram
Haha...sure I can teach you the right moves for your left feet ;)
DeleteWow! Sounds real fun Aditi! I am sure d children must have loved it. Keep spreading love n laughter :)
ReplyDelete:) Thanks!
Deletewow you did an amazing work :) I would have loved to see some pictures too. But nevertheless, the memories you shared are just as priceless.
ReplyDeleteThanks Raj! It felt great! I too am waiting for the pics...
DeleteSounds like you had a wonderful time, in spite of the little bit of rambunctiousness at the beginning1
ReplyDeleteHaha! Oh yes, I did Michelle! :)
Deletethat is awesome. :) i felt your joy - and there's. :)
ReplyDelete:D :D
DeleteThis sounds inspiring! I love the way kids look at the world and the enthusiasm they have for everything. It's good to step into their shoes every once in a while. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes! They teach us so much and one should always nurture the child inside them...forever... best way to live!
DeleteOhho......the greatest joy is in teaching kids, because you never know how surprised you can be of their creativity :) I wish I could dance, too :)
ReplyDeleteArre just get up n dance Sree! :) n yes kids are always full of surprises!
DeleteHow sweet of you people, dedicating time and energy for children… and its true, we enjoy overselves being with children! Glad u happen to bring happiness and cheers to those needy children :)
ReplyDelete:) it was a great experience Jeevan! Loved every bit of it!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful experience that both you and the children reaped benefits from.
ReplyDelete:) Sure did!
DeleteAditi, wish I could have been there to see you in action. Loved reading about it, I have been a bit under the weather for the past few days and missed this wonderful post. Bless you for being so generous with your time and company.
ReplyDeleteThank u Suleka for asking! :) It would have been great if you could come too....but there's always a next time. I so want to do a workshop for their Noida homes.... Let's c...
DeleteHow wonderful that you did that dance workshop with the kids! Sounded like you got as much out of it as they did. A real win win situation. Very inspiring and uplifting. Thanks for sharing about it!
ReplyDeletehttp://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.com/2014/06/do-you-believe-in-luck.html
Thanks Cathy! :)
DeleteThis must have been such a rewarding experience, Aditi! Well done. Look forward to seeing the pictures of the workshop.
ReplyDelete:) :) yes...
DeleteI've reminded them for the pics, hope I get them soon. Feel so stupid not clicking from my own cell...hmmm...lesson learnt! ;)
I am so happy to say I know you and Sulekkha both of whom doing such fabulous things with their lives. Sometimes all it takes is someone to show how wonderful simple acts can be. More power to you both :-)
ReplyDeleteRicha
:) so true Richa...love :-*
DeleteYou must have had a very differently interesting experience. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteSure did Jayanta....thanks!
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience! It amazes me how fulfilling and rewarding being with children can be. ♥
ReplyDeleteIt's always lovely Kathy to be surrounded by kids! ♥
DeleteThere's nothing like spreading positivity. Love and Hugs. Loads of admiration!
ReplyDeletewww.volatilespirits.com
Thanks dear :)
DeleteSeems you had an amazing time with the kids :)
ReplyDeleteSure did!
DeleteOh, bless you dear Aditi! That is so wonderful and an amazing thing you do:-) Karma sweetie:-) Was so happy to read your post today:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Eli ♥
DeleteSounds like such amazing fun. What a pity you didn't get pics. Next time round get the husband to double up as a DJ-photographer. Cheers to you both.
ReplyDeleteFinally got the pics Tulika. Have posted them on FB, will link it here soon.
DeleteI am sure you had a great time. It must have been a fulfilling and enriching experience :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful! :)
Delete