Released on = December 5, 2006, 7:34 am

Press Release Author = Dance to Health

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = Wheelchair dance has many possibilities

Press Release Body = WHEELCHAIR DANCING

Wheelchair dancing or adaptive dancing as it is also called is growing rapidly in
popularity and has been in existence for more than twenty years. There are many
different forms. Sometimes it's a matter of two people doing their own spontaneous
"thing". If the man is a wheelchair user his partner may sit on his lap and they
dance seated. Then there is also line dancing when everyone executes pre-arranged
moves.

Ballroom dancing is yet another form. Even such dances as the waltz, fox trot and
rumba are possible. Wheelchair dancing is an international competitive sport
involving athletes with a physical disability that affects the lower limbs. There
are classes for \"combi -style\" (standing) partner or duo-dance with two wheelchairs.
There are also formation dances for four, six or eight competitors. Traditional
wheelchair dancing involves moving the wheelchair across the dance floor, while
wheelchair tap dancing concentrates on the movements of the limbs while in a seated
position. People who have movement in their feet can tap dance wearing tap shoes.
Those with no foot movement can clap their hands instead wearing gloves with taps
attached.

Those dancers who have movement in their arms and legs but not enough strength to
dance standing upright can do so seated on a chair or lying on the floor.

Many groups exist to encourage people with disabilities to dance. One such is Third
St. Ensemble Co. The young performers range in age from eight to twenty-three and
include children from many different backgrounds and with many different problems.
Wheelchair dance usually features in their performances and all company members are
skilled in dance chairs.

Another such program, amongst many, is a community program of the University of
Saskatchewan in Canada. To quote \"This program is for children ages seven years and
up with mobility challenges whose primary mode of transportation is the wheelchair.
The focus of the class is the development of a variety of locomotor, rhythmic and
creative skills using enjoyable dance experiences. Children have the opportunity to
explore a variety of dance forms such as ballet, jazz dance, and creative dance and
to gain confidence through performances and workshops.\"

Of course, there are young people who are highly competitive and will be attracted
to dance as sport. There are others who want and are in a position to go to a class
and learn regular Ballroom or Line dances. Dance classes of any kind can be
marvelously therapeutic but they do require that participants strive to attain
certain specific standards of movement. This can itself create tensions and
anxieties for the child. Dance therapy is different in that there is total
acceptance, encouragement and no criticism. As a dance and movement therapist I am
in favor of using improvisational dance.



Web Site = http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com

Contact Details = Dzagbe Cudjoe