Young people with autism and behavioral disorders from Institut médico-éducatif de Rochebelle are preparing performances with Soleil Dansant, showcasing their growth and passion for dance.
Workshop for young people with disabilities
On Mondays mornings, a small group of young people from the Institut médico-éducatif de Rochebelle, sometimes turbulent, sometimes a bit lost, often in their own world, participate in a workshop with the association Soleil Dansant. The number of participants has doubled this year compared to last year, with between twelve and fifteen individuals presenting autism spectrum or behavioral disorders. They are preparing two performances, during which they will be integrated into a troupe of about fifty dancers.Progress through music and movement
"Being in music and movement allows them to open up more to us. It is complicated to get them to concentrate; we included steps last year to materialize and anchor the choreography, but we no longer need them this year. Something was created from that. We have become a kind of reference for them, they come to us. They also remember the lyrics of the songs, proof of improvement," said Manon and Cindy, educators from the IME.Collaboration through a dance competition
The institute and the association were connected through the Maison de la jeunesse following the L'Incroyable Alésien 2025 competition, whose theme was precisely dance. "This was part of our goals; we really want to open up dance, for and with everyone. Especially because our skills complement each other, between the educational and artistic aspects," appreciated Mathieu Pantel, president of Soleil Dansant. "We also feel that it opens the desire for dance students to discover the IME, it sensitizes them and opens doors to the medical-social field," added his colleague Amy.Challenges of preparing for performances
Preparing the children for the "stimulus" of galas remains a complex challenge: "They have a strong sensitivity to noise and emotions, they can have crises, just by being in the dressing rooms. Therefore, we do a simulation before the gala to prepare them. The families would never have imagined that their children could perform on stage like this. Now, they look forward to the rehearsals every Monday morning," smiled the educators.Future plans and upcoming shows
In search of funding, the IME would like to expand the initiative to other artistic expressions and other services. The group will present its winter performance at the Fare Alais space in Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues on January 23, and its end-of-year performance at La Grand'Combe at the end of June.
