Learn About Dancing in Your Wheelchair – American Dance Wheels

posted on Nov 30 by Admin in the Disability News, Fun, Interesting Links, Paralympics, Wheelchair Sports category

American Dance Wheels is an organization specifically designed to teach individuals with disabilities not only how to dance, but dance gracefully. Physical therapists as well as professional dance teachers work with you to help develop your technique.  The  program joins people who are standing and in a chair, enabling them to work together as partners. The program is one of a kind and the only written, structured, trademarked curriculum of wheelchair dancing in the world.

Dance is used as therapy helping improve strength, balance, increase stamina, coordination, posture, head control, self confidence, and so much more. Dancing can also promote communication as well as understanding between people with and without disabilities, bringing the community together. Friends and family are also invited to be  involved in your dancing activities.

The focus of ADF is social dancing, however you can progress to competitions if you choose to. All it takes is being able to move your wheelchair and take direction from your instructor. Individuals who use either power or manual chairs are encouraged to participate.  Dancing gives people with disabilities more options than just sports.

ADF helps dissolve the barriers between people with disabilities and the able-bodied, working together as dance partners. Available dance programs include American Style Ballroom, Latin wheelchair dancing, Social dance classes, and private dance classes for weddings! Dancing also gives you the opportunity to perform at schools, organizations, facilities, or be involved in competitions.

There are many high hopes for high schools,  recreational centers, and therapists to use as another healing process. This activity crosses the boundaries of age, gender, physical ability, and includes individuals with varying levels of disabilities. Wheelchair dancing is already very popular in Europe and Asia, and it is gaining more notice in the US. Wheelchair dance sport have recently been recognized as an international paralympic sport by the International Paralympic Committee and is being considered for the Paralympic Games in the United States.

You can visit their website at http://www.americandancewheels.com/ and watch the video below.