DOWN’S SWAN

DitaPutri, Jawa Pos

Luisa Nadya Rafael Tanjaya, 15, discovered a passion for ballet when she was very young.

Despite the physical limitations imposed on her by Down’s syndrome, she has been taking ballet lessons and dancing since she was five years old; nothing has stopped her from achieving great things in her life.

Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that causes delays in the way a child develops, both physically and mentally. It happens when a pair of chromosomes fails to separate during cell division in the unborn child.

Despite her limitations, Nadya has come a long way over the years in mastering this classical dance form. With continuous practice of this graceful dance, she is now proficient in the en pointe technique, where dancers balance on just the toes of their feet. It is a feat that is difficult for anyone to perform, but especially so for someone with the physical challenges Nadya lives with daily.

Nadya’s remarkable confidence is thanks to her mother, Dr. Ninik Pujiastutik who has always supported and motivated her. As soon as Ninik noticed that little Nadya liked to dance while listening to orchestral ballet music, she immediately encouraged her daughter to take lessons and learn this dance form: a skill that requires the dancer to be in peak physical condition.

Nadya is a great improviser when dancing solo; group dancing is not for her because her habit of peeking left and right to coordinate movements with other dancers affects the graceful flow of her dancing.

Today Nadya performs regularly at various venues in Surabaya, East Java. A lovely smile adorns her face whenever she is on stage. Dressed in a sparkling beaded tutu, a flower headband crowning her black hair, which is drawn back in a bun, Swan Princess Nadya is ready for action!

CAPTIONS

1. Practicing is important to stay in top form.
2. Touch