Wheelchair Dance

[pygmalion]

Here's a cool link I found -- one among many, which talks about the up and coming discipline of ballroom dance for wheelchair dancers. This site talks about workshops for teachers -- to learn how to access the wheelchair-bound market for students, and intricacies of teaching physically challenged students. Naive, aren't I? I was surprised. I'd never heard of it. Have you? Experiences, anyone?http://dwp.bigplanet.com/unidancesport/wheelchairdancing1/

[Adwiz]

I'd never heard of it. Have you? Experiences, anyone?

I've seen it before and wasn't terribly impressed, but at the Snowball Classic a week ago they demonstrated some of the world's top wheelchair competitors, and it was breathtaking.

The Latin competitors received not only a standing ovation, but came in second based on audience decibel readings in the Showcase of Champions competition. It truly was outstanding. I've never seen anyone move so powerfully or gracefully in a wheelchair. His ability to move with the music, interpreting the song and working with his partner was phenomenal. The energy level blew me away.

What I came away with was a complete paradigm shift. I had always thought of dancing as being about feet and legs, but it is really about moving the body to music. Done well, that is just as exciting to watch whether the participant is in a wheelchair or on their feet.

[SDsalsaguy]

The first ballroom comp I went to as part of my research, the 2001 Colorado Star Ball, had a ballroom wheelchair demonstration... partnering, musicality, and bodily expression were all in evidence.

[salsachinita]

.......good to know.........

One day that could be me :shock: ........ (fingers crossed that day might be a long way away; or better still, never)

[pygmalion]

My fingers are crossed, too, salsachinita.

I'd love to catch some video footage of wheelchair dancing - just to see how the non-wheelchair bound partner handles things like getting around the wheels. It must be challenging to come up with seamless choreography. Hmm.

[Porfirio Landeros]

I got to see Stephen Hawking salsa dance in a night club in Santa Barbara once. He was spinning it up with two girls! I'm glad he was able to express his sabor in his own way :)

[pygmalion]

Hawking? Holy cow! So science, dancing and wheelchairs DO mix. :D