Wheelchair Dance
Everyone can shake their booty. Even in a wheelchair. Does this come as a surprise? Then, listen up because everyone should dance if they want to.
Wheelchair dance includes partners made up of one wheelchair user and one standing member; which is called Combi-style dance. If you're in a wheelchair, consider switching to your power chair for the evening! Of course, it's also possible for two wheelchair users to dance together, officially called Duo-dance. Style includes everything - from the Waltz to the Rumba to the Jive. You can even take part in group formation dancing, where 4 to 8 couples dance in choreographed arrangements. Whether you're in a wheelchair or not, everyone can have a blast dancing.
If you're less into the actual activity of dance, but are an avid fan, consider supporting your local wheelchair dance club. That's right, there are entire organizations dedicated to making dance accessible to everyone. Dance is actually a growing sport for people with disabilities all over the world. There are wheelchair dance troops that travel everywhere and compete in various dance events, both recreational and competitive. It is not only entertaining, but it's also a great way to promote change how society views people with disabilities and specifically wheelchair bound individuals.
Wheelchair dancing has been around for over 20 years. It began under the moniker 'integrated dance' and organizations are still popping up all over the world today. On an International level, the first competition took place in 1997 in Sweden and the first World Championships were held in Japan. There are a couple companies in the United States that have enjoyed international success and recognition for their exquisite performances, as well as various related community outreach initiatives. The focus is on skill and the artistic characteristics of dance, disability is viewed as a secondary presence to the beauty of movement in energy. It's always possible to become involved with the performing arts and learn more about your artistic potential through dance. It may sound deep, but dance is one of the most accessible and physically beneficial activities for a wheelchair user, so be sure to try it before being too quick to judge.
