Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

For individuals with burn scars on their bodies and those engaged in a prolonged rehabilitation process, learning to come to terms with the experience of a burn injury and adapting to all the challenges that it brings is an important lesson. Sunshine Foundation, in collaboration with St. Martin De Porres Hospital in Chiayi City, invited burn survivors undergoing rehabilitation to join a "Joyful Movement Workshop" organized by the National Tainan Living Art Center and Cloud Gate Dance Studio. Together, they listened to their bodies and rediscovered how to interact with their own bodies.

Led by a teacher from Cloud Gate Dance Studio, participants embarked on a journey to reacquaint themselves with their bodies. Starting with simple introductory movements, they followed the rhythm of the background music, clapping hands, raising hands, and stepping, gradually progressing to freely move their bodies along with the melody. The spacious dance studio was filled with joyful and lively laughter, bringing everyone closer to the world of dance. Under the professional guidance of the teacher, participants who were initially shy and who awkwardly avoided eye contact, gradually started to let go and express themselves. Even those with limited mobility sitting on the side joined in, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Individuals who have experienced burns not only must face a lengthy rehabilitation period, but they must also cope with the impact of their limited physical functions. Gestures and movements that are routine for most people, like eating with a fork or combing one’s hair, suddenly becomes challenging due to scar contracture that limits joint functions. Repeated practice and ongoing efforts are necessary to achieve results and regain functions. For burn survivors undergoing rehabilitation, dancing seems like an unimaginable feat. From the painstaking efforts put in by Sunshine’s team in the invitation process (trying to convince burn survivors who didn’t believe at first that they could do it) to witnessing the participants leaving Cloud Gate Dance Studio with satisfied smiles, social workers felt a sense of relief. This special dance class has left an unforgettable impression in their hearts.