Dancing with Dyslexia
Image credit: Scott Buchanan
I’m not often asked to write as someone with dyslexia so this is a wonderful opportunity for me to flex a new creative muscle and I hope you find it readable... is that even a word? Eck, here we go.
I grew up in the Peak District, a lovely little village called Hadfield. Not much happens here but the simplicity of life is perfect. I didn’t know anything was "different" about me until the age of around 10 when I was told I had dyslexia.
There was no consistent support from the education sector until I was around 14 where I spent time with “the naughty kids” in the learning support unit. By this time I was very self reliant and a good problem solver. I had also mastered the art of mirroring people's handwriting and making friends so I could get the information I needed to continue falling off the radar of my teachers. This didn’t always work, one teacher nicknamed me “Trigger” (from Only Fools And Horses)! Lovely, right?!
Despite the hurdles I faced in school, I did well, I came out with 2 A* GCSE’s and Bs, Cs, and a D in RE... To get these grades I would stay in school until it closed (7pm) and then go home to nap and then continue my studies with my muriel of post notes scattered all over my bedroom to support my photographic memory. The sound my Tracy Chapman tape would lull me to sleep and the cycle would repeat the following day.
The subjects I did very well in allowed my mind to wonder, think of things that were not already there in front of me and this is where I thrived. Outside of school I would dance, and although I did find it challenging to remember steps I would come alive because I could use my imagination once again. I would create characters for myself to step into and visualise myself in front of crowds of people who cheered for me and my confidence began to show, which reflected in the classroom. I was told early on I had to have a creative career because this is what people with dyslexia did. As an adult I don't believe this is correct, I think if you're dyslexic you can do whatever you put your mind to, but this was the information I was given at the time. Dance was my ticket out of education and I was made well aware of this and therefore my dream of attending stage school became a tunnel vision.
After high school I went onto study dance and performing arts at Manchester City College and then to Liverpool Theatre School to study Musical Theatre where I was awarded a full scholarship for my full training. I was challenged here in new ways but my determination was noticed and I won many awards during my time which encouraged me to start believing in myself.
Over the past 9 years since graduating I have lived in London and covered more jobs than you can possibly imagine, many of which have thankfully been in line with the dreams I had as a kid. The reason I share my background with you is because so many dyslexic artists come from backgrounds where educational support has been granted but what happens to the ones who don't have the support from their families or well known institutions? This is why Move Beyond Words is such an important hub. We aim to create artistic environments for those with dyslexia and amplify their voices especially those lacking mentors and guidance. It's not a clear path ahead of you when you’re dyslexic, but all the rollercoaster moments and obstacles you experience help you build muscles others don’t have access to. These muscles make you resilient and able to continue to shape the path ahead. Obstacles are opportunities. I'm thankful to have teamed up with Reasons To Be Cheerful because you're allowing people to have their voice heard without judgement and that is a beautiful offering. Thank you for this chance to flex a new muscle... now I’m off to ask my partner to check my grammar ;).
Image credit: Dan Webb
Elizabeth Arifien
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