5 replies to this topic

[azx43]

Happy spring, all! Check out this cool video from Madrid, Spain that features a dancer that uses a wheelchair.


I'd like to started in dance myself, but am not sure how. Should I just show up at a dance class for AB dancers? Anybody have any ideas?

[Big Valley]

Do you need a class for what she did? Just sit there and spin around a few times while people pull on here?



Come on. Just bounce and lean to the beat. Maybe turn your wheels a little here and there. Doing a bunch a spins and wheelies isn't dancing and you will most likely hit someone in the shin. Just move and have fun. How would you start to dance at home when the radio is on and you hear a song you like? Just amp that up a bit and have fun.

[azx43]

Do you need a class for what she did? Just sit there and spin around a few times while people pull on here?



Come on. Just bounce and lean to the beat. Maybe turn your wheels a little here and there. Doing a bunch a spins and wheelies isn't dancing and you will most likely hit someone in the shin. Just move and have fun. How would you start to dance at home when the radio is on and you hear a song you like? Just amp that up a bit and have fun.

Ok, Ok, I admit , maybe what she did isn't "dancing" per se, but it looked cool though! Let me clarify. . . there isn't a wheelchair dancing troupe in my area, but I'd really like to get started in performing dance. I used to be in a dance group when I was little, so I do know how, have a sence of rythym, etc. My problem attitudinal barriers- every time I show up to dance with a group that is primarily temporariy able- bodied, I get stared at, talked down to, treated like a fragile child, need I go on? So, does anybody have suggestions on how to deal with things like that?
Thanks in advance!!

[Big Valley]

[/quote]
My problem attitudinal barriers- every time I show up to dance with a group that is primarily temporariy able- bodied, I get stared at, talked down to, treated like a fragile child, need I go on? So, does anybody have suggestions on how to deal with things like that?
Thanks in advance!!

[/quote]



Don't hang around or pay attention to assholes?

[draymusa]

Check this guy out! This is what I am shooting for.

http://video.google......lchair dance"

Then there is this guy:



I don't think I'll ever be this good--but it gives me inspiration.

aisha

[disjointed]

My problem attitudinal barriers- every time I show up to dance with a group that is primarily temporariy able- bodied, I get stared at, talked down to, treated like a fragile child, need I go on? So, does anybody have suggestions on how to deal with things like that?
Thanks in advance!!

Hi there,
My friend is a para, and he and I are planning to start dancing together. Have you thought about going out dancing with a partner?
Practice some moves at home and then when you go out, you can show off how good you are.

Some tips we have come up with -- my friend is going to get his feet tucked under him so I can stand very close to him when I'm facing him. A seated man can hold the same arm positions as if you were standing, just have the woman stand a bit to the side of your right wheel and face you at an angle.

I'm not a fan of most of the wheelchair dancing I have seen on the 'net -- looks like a lot of dragging the wheelchair user around the floor. I say, just feel the rhythm, hold onto your partner, and pay attention to each other instead of the other people around. If you ignore them and just focus on your partner (--the point of partner dance anyway), they will see how un-fragile you are Think about it -- you can tell who's got moves when they're just sitting in the car with the radio cranked up. It doesn't take a lot of muscle and certainly doesn't require legs to be a good dancer.

By the way, I know what I'm talking about. I was a figure skater before my injury.

Good luck!