How much I loved "How To Dance In Ohio"

As the lights dimmed and the stage came to life, I found myself eagerly awaiting the Broadway opening night of "How To Dance in Ohio", a groundbreaking musical that tells the story of seven autistic characters, played by seven talented autistic actors. The air in the theater was electric with anticipation as the overture began, setting the stage for an evening full of heart, humor, and humanity.

From the first song, I was completely drawn into the world of these unique and endearing characters. Each one brought their own quirks and struggles to the stage, but it was clear that they were all united by their passion for dance and their journey towards independence and acceptance. Not only are many members of the cast autistic themselves, but the show also did an exceptional job of showcasing the diversity within the autistic community. These characters were not defined by their diagnosis; rather, they were portrayed with their individual strengths, triumphs, and struggles. As a mother of a child with autism, I saw reflections of my own experiences in these stories. Whether facing fears of change, social anxiety, communication barriers, or difficulties with relationships, these were stories of young adults navigating their unique challenges as they grow up.

The choreography was a mesmerizing display of precision and emotion, perfectly capturing the inner thoughts and feelings of each character. As they gracefully moved across the stage with determination, I found myself completely drawn in by their stories and rooting for their success. But what truly made this show stand out was its authenticity. With a cast made up entirely of autistic actors, I felt like I was witnessing something truly special, a representation of autism on stage that was raw, honest, and unapologetic.

The message that resonated with me most from the performance was the importance of celebrating individuality and striving for inclusion in our society. It was a poignant reminder that when these values are not upheld, it is often the neurotypical characters who needs to change course, not the autistic ones. Sadly, society still struggles to appreciate and accept autistic individuals for who they are. Stigmas and outdated beliefs continue to exist, despite the growth and evolution of the autism community.

How To Dance In Ohio made Broadway history, as it breaks down barriers and encourages acceptance of differences, as well as recognition of the challenges and successes that come along with them. It's a powerful statement about building a world where there is a place for everybody. As the final number drew to a close and the audience erupted into thunderous applause, I rose from my seat with tears in my eyes and joined in. "How To Dance in Ohio" not only entertained me, but truly moved me. How To Dance in Ohios showed me that each person has their own unique way of dancing through life, and that's what makes us all beautiful.

Sadly, How to Dance in Ohio is closing, Sunday will be the final performance. This is not the end as Ben, Sammy and Fiona, the amazing producers of the show, are working hard to continue the show's life beyond Broadway. However, the show closing makes me really sad as this means that, apart from us, the autistic community and our friends showing up for us, the general audience did not show up. Maybe they did not understand, maybe they needed more time, or this tells us a lot about our society, how far still we need to get to and how much work still needs to be done.