Datta Shelar - An Upcoming Keyboard Sensation.

11-year-old Datta Sehlar was born and raised in Dharavi, India’s biggest slum area located in Mumbai. Not unlike any other boy his age, Datta regularly bunked school to search for fun and laughter down the slum’s narrow alleyways.

When Datta was introduced to the Dharavi Mewsic Centre he was very shy to engage in the learning and fun that Mewsic staff were encouraging through lessons in music, song and dance. Today, he is one of Dharavi’s brightest, most talented musicians and intends to run his own music teaching class one day!

Datta’s music teacher, Mr Pravin Patel, has witnessed the transformation, “Through his music lessons Datta is also learning many transferable life skills, including self-discipline, study skills, confidence, focus and concentration, enhanced teamwork and communication.”

Today, Datta fills much of his spare time with keyboard practice- even in the morning before leaving for school. There is nothing he loves more than to play the keyboard in presence of his parents and neighbours – who listen in awe of the small boy, his keyboard and his joy.

'Music to Heal' - Dance Therapy

The American Dance Therapy Association defines Dance/Movement Therapy as "the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual." And after my empirical experience using Dance Therapy with deaf and mentally challenged children at Corp India’s Shalom Center in Dharavi, I can firmly say, Dance Therapy can heal pain. 

At the beginning of the session children showed considerable hesitation. As the therapy session progressed, there was a noticeable change in mood and comfort levels, with participants beginning to engage in the activities. Professional USA dance therapist Ms. Mayuri Bhandari facilitated the day, by leading a group-session that used techniques associated with Indian folk dance movements. 

Comprehensive research indicates extensive benefits from continuous physical movement, ranging from physical stamina as well as mental stability. Significant improvements in confidence was a notable benefit for the children at the Methodist Church Center, as suggested through gestures and postures indicating positive emotional expression.

Experiences so far confirm the strong potential that Dance Therapy holds as a new area in Mewsic’s broader ‘Music to Heal’ approach.