An inclusive group for adults with learning disabilities are encouraging visitors to Wales to feel the ‘hwyl’.
With no direct translation in English and multiple interpretations, the most popular meaning of hwyl, pronounced ‘hoo-eel’, is a deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment.
Cabaret, an inclusive group for adults with learning disabilities, features in a Visit Wales campaign, alongside Welsh language specialist Maxine Hughes, to invite visitors worldwide to experience hwyl.
The Cabaret crew of seven dancers with learning disabilities and three non-disabled dancers, recently immersed themselves in the hwyl of one of Cardiff Museum’s Silent Discos.
Cabaret is a spin-off project of My Moves Dance, which co-founders Ashley Newsham and Freya Dare launched to tackle the lack of outlets for adults with learning disabilities to express themselves.
Previous performances have included drag productions to music including Lady Gaga’ Born this Way and a catwalk show accompanied by Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Am What I Am’.
“One of our performers came to me and explained how he loved wearing his mother’s jewellery,” says Ashley.
“Cabaret is a way to celebrate our members’ sexuality. Our member told me that wearing them made him feel wonderful, but he felt there was no way he could ever tell her that and felt embarrassed.
“It was obvious that there was a huge gap - sexuality in the learning-disabled world is not spoken about, almost as if it doesn’t apply to them. We knew that wasn’t the case and felt it was about time to start celebrating who we are and taking our standard dance class to the next level – to make it larger than life.”
To team Cabaret hwyl is found in friendship and socializing, when opportunities are not as obvious or easy to come by as they are for people without disabilities.
“The interesting thing about hwyl is it comes to life in both relaxing and energetic environments,” said Dr Awel Vaughan-Evans, a psychologist from Bangor University.
“On one hand, hwyl can release dopamine, fire neurotransmitters and raise the heartbeat, creating a prolonged sense of euphoria. Alternatively, it can slow it right down with endorphins reducing stress, causing the entire body to relax. Essentially, hwyl is your own particular form of happiness.”