Integrated Classical South Indian Dance

In 2003, Link Up joined forces with A.S.I.A (Academy of South Indian Arts) to set up classical South Indian dance classes for young people with Learning Disabilities with the aim of enabling the students to participate in public performances.   ASIA was established in 1991 specialising in the the instruction and presentation of classical South Indian dance and music for the wider community in an inclusive and integrated environment.

We named the project Step by Step and the dance classes were held weekly at various venues throughout Harrow during lunchtime or after school.  Special thanks goes to Awards for All (National Lottery) for funding the project. 

Public Performances - taking a step forward

In December 2003 the Step by Step dancers performed for the St Thomas Lupus Trust Christmas concert at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey:

In April 2004 they performed at the Charity Fair which was held at the Business Design Centre in Islington hosted by the Directory of Social Change:

March 2004 saw our Step by Step students participate in A.S.I.A's annual production of 'Shakthi Prabhaavam' staged at Logan Hall, Institute of Education, University of London, to a strong audience of 900 people:

Our partnership with ASIA has been a tremendous success.  In order to develop further, the management of ASIA have decided to continue on their own as a separate registered charity.  Link Up is pleased with their success and are proud to have helped ASIA to get established in the community.

Dancing Queen

16 year old Shradha Savani always dreamed of dancing on stage. Link Up enrolled her on the ASIA dance programme and since then she has performed to many audiences.

In March 2005 Shradha scooped an award by Harrow Youth and Connexions. The awards ceremony celebrated the successes of young people in Harrow and acknowledged the challenges they have overcome at transitional stages in their lives. Shradha was up against 23 other nominees, and was given a recognition award deserving of her personal achievement in dance. Despite Shradha’s disabilities, she has shown outstanding talent in co-ordination, movement and rhythm. Head principle of ASIA, Lakshmi Samarakoon has also recognised Shradha’s talents and presented her with a certificate of achievement during the show.