Dancing During Covid-19, Part 2, Ne’ha’s Story

Ne’ha, dancing in class (photo by Blake Nellis)

Toss aside any stereotype ideas and images you might have about someone with a disability, especially CP, Cerebral Palsy.

Meet Ne’ha, quite an accomplished young woman—already an author, dancer, rights advocate, life coach, business lady, and currently a university student taking online classes toward a degree in computer security. Neha loves computers and learning a variety of skills to make a computer work hard. One of her current classes is ethical hacking.

Neha also loves to dance. “Why?” I asked.

Neha answered, “Being part of Young Dance these past five years has meant activity, people, movement, creativity.”

I asked a second question. “Being a dancer, especially a dancer with a physical disability, what has been challenging during this pandemic?” Her answer was thoughtful and confident. “Because of Covid-19, no physical interaction. No social interaction. As dancers in isolation we don’t get to see each other eye to eye. It’s a challenge to communicate and especially to choreograph through a computer. Also, not having an open studio. Dancers need space. Young Dance taught me to look at what’s around me and use it.”

Neha’s mantra has always been, “There’s no limit to doing what you want to do. If you have a disability and even if you use a power chair to provide mobility, you can “dance your dreams.” You can author books, create a business as a life coach, create videos to post on YouTube, advocate for others, and continue your education online.

It was a privilege, a delight, and an inspiration to interview this brave young woman. Treat yourself to her inspiring book, Brave Soul, available at online bookstores. Watch her dance as part of the Young Dance Company online or live—all abilities, all ages, all amazing.

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I encourage you to read I Will Dance, the story of Eva, a young girl with a wish to dance and a challenge to achieving that dream. I Will Dance is written by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.