# data[].attributes.body
During this class we focused on the topic of motor skills, and looked into all the different things that our hands can do for us. In smaller groups, we firstly each traced the outline of our hands onto sheets of paper and then cut them out. After this, we went around the group and had a discussion on what words came to mind when we thought about the different movements and actions that out hands can do, for example, hold, touch and push. We then each took a few words from the list and wrote them down on our cut out hands. We presented all of the individual hands in a circle to better show the wide range of different actions and movements that we had come up with for this activity. We reflected on just how much we use and rely on our hands, and how there are some people who do not have these same abilities. We discussed what this would be like and how we would feel if we were not able to complete a certain task or participate in a certain activity because of a disability or different levels of ability. This was really eye opening for me as it is not something I ever stop to think about, which in itself is a huge privilege. It really made me so much more aware of the reality some people face, and how important it is to be able to acknowledge this not only in everyday life but also in social care settings. The importance of inclusion and creating and altering tasks and activities for it to be something that people can all participate in regardless of disabilities or their own levels of ability is something I have been able to become so much more aware of. It has also made me become so much more aware of my own values and has really put into perspective what it is I have to be grateful for.

# data[].attributes.body
During this class, we were put back into our same groups from week 3 and we looked at different positive words and empowering statements. As a group we picked one main word which was ‘sunshine’ and thought of some positive words that were associated with it. We revisited our cut out hands from week three and re-used the other side of them that had no writing on it. Similar to the last time, we each took one word from our list and wrote it on our cut out hands. With putting the word sunshine at the centre, we created a circle around it with all the other hands, to recreate the shape of the sun. Some of the positive words we used included growth, happy, new day and hope. This was a really good reflection on just how impactful sunshine can be for ones mood. It also serves as almost a reminder that with a new sunrise brings along a new day, and bad days do not last forever. For me personally, small reminders like that are important for us all to remember. Some days things can seem like it will never get easier or never get better, but each new day brings with it new thoughts, new strengths and new possibilities. We then created a short vox pop in an attempt to relay this message to others. For this we all took turns going around the group and calling out the words we had wrote, while we played some positive upbeat music in the background. This was great fun and something I’ve never done before. Completing this task is just one more way of showing the impact of creativity when wanting to reflect, understand and relay messages and information to others in a way that makes it easier and more fun to discuss. It creates a more relaxed environment for everyone taking part.

# data[].attributes.body
During our first lecture in week one we were introduced to the concept of creativity and what it means to be creative. Creativity can have many different meanings for different people and can be expressed in many different ways. It can be expressed in the ways in which we think, the ways in which we do things and even in our attitudes and feelings. We then thought about all the different ways in which we can be creative in our practice, which included through the use of art, dance, music and play. I really enjoyed this introduction to the module as it is the only one that we have this year that really gives us the opportunity to investigate all the creative ways in which we can work. I strongly believe that it is just as important to learn these different practical tools that we can bring into our practice as future social care workers. Creativity has no age limit, and it is something that be used throughout all areas of social care. Creativity also gives people the opportunity to express themselves and their feelings that they might otherwise not be able to or might struggle to do so verbally. It can give voice to the voiceless. It can also be used with younger age groups to help get the message across about more serious topics in a way that can help them better understand, for example, role play for anti-bullying workshops. During this class we were also introduced to a fun and skilful ball throwing game. We were put into groups of four and each given a small soft ball. We started by throwing the balls to the person in front of us, meaning that each pair within the group would be throwing the balls across one another. It took real skill and even better team work to do this without throwing one another off. As we got used to one step, we then introduced throwing and catching the balls to our left or to our right AT THE SAME TIME!! This was a real fun way that showed us how much of a juggling act social care work can be. How you can sometimes feel like you need to be doing ten things at once. It also gave us a practical understanding of teamwork, and what makes a good team work.

# data[].attributes.body
Watching and learning about the Traces Dance Ensemble has been incredibly eye opening for me. Before now, it is not a group I had any knowledge or awareness of, but to see and hear the impact and benefits this group has on its members is amazing. The dances that the group perform together are very powerful and moving and they have the ability to say so much without having to say anything at all.  I really do believe that it is so important for everyone in society, regardless of their level of ability or their disability, to have their own hobbies and passions that they can fulfil. To also have unique ways of expressing oneself is really vital for the over all wellbeing of everyone, both mentally and emotionally. The learnings I have been able to take away from Traces Dance Ensemble again just strongly highlights the importance of giving people safe and encouraging environments to express themselves. How important it is to continue to challenge any perceptions towards different groups of society, not only in myself but in the wider community too.

Traces Dance Ensemble is an excellent example of the importance of working in a non-judgemental and non-discriminatory way. It really brings awareness to the fact that just because someone may have a disability it does not mean that they lack talent and passion or are any less capable of expressing themselves. This group in particular really makes that evident in the work it does with their dancers. While people with down syndrome may often find themselves feeling discriminated against in other areas of society, this group is one place where they can just be themselves and let their personalities and individuality shine through. Traces Dance Ensemble gives its dancers the support and encouragement to be free with movement and focuses on their abilities rather than their disabilities.

It is very evident that Traces Dance Ensemble meets a wide variety of its dancer’s needs in the work that it does. Just by having the group exist it helps bring like-minded people together, enabling them to meet their social needs and their need for belonging. From hearing what some of the dancers have to say, and how passionate they are when doing so, it is very evident that it is also helping with meeting their emotional needs. Traces Dance Ensemble allows for its dancers to have a way in which they can build on their self-esteem, which helps in the positive promotion of their overall mental wellbeing. Dance also targets ones cognitive abilities, through the need to remember different dance moves and routines.  As well as that, it is helping to meet their physical needs, as dance is also used as a very creative form of exercise. As a group, they evidently work towards empowering its dancers, and playing part in advocating for their human rights and for the inclusion of people with down syndrome.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Traces Dance Ensemble – Cruinniú na nÓg 2022