I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. Throughout the years, I've taken classes for people with disabilities, but in recent years, I have been involved in various classes and a dance company with people who do not have disabilities. I am the only person in a wheelchair.
It has been a great experience working with people who do not have disabilities because it forces them to figure out how to incorporate me into the movement and it forces me to modify the choreography that is given. In the beginning of every class, we do leg exercises. I have to use my arms during the exercises, so my teacher instructs the class using their arms and their legs for the exercises. It makes me feel included.
I love to hear the audience's reaction when they see someone in a wheelchair dance with an able-bodied person. It gives the audience a different perspective on how people, who have limited use of their legs, dance. It also challenges me to work harder, because able-bodied people are capable of a lot more than I am. I did really enjoy dancing with other people in wheelchairs, but after a while, I felt like I wasn't being challenged anymore.
Honestly, as a dancer, I am the happiest I've ever been. I have been given opportunities that I never thought I would get a chance to experience. A few months ago, I worked on a project with a team of dancers and a teen who was going through hard times. The point of the project was to get her to use dance as a positive outlet to express herself. She had never danced with someone in a wheelchair before. She was resistant at first, but as we got to know each other, she felt more comfortable with me. By the end, she even sat in my chair and danced in it, while I danced on the floor! I have also taken classes with world-renowned choreographers and learned styles that I've never done before. I will never forget those experiences.
It has been a great experience working with people who do not have disabilities because it forces them to figure out how to incorporate me into the movement and it forces me to modify the choreography that is given. In the beginning of every class, we do leg exercises. I have to use my arms during the exercises, so my teacher instructs the class using their arms and their legs for the exercises. It makes me feel included.
I love to hear the audience's reaction when they see someone in a wheelchair dance with an able-bodied person. It gives the audience a different perspective on how people, who have limited use of their legs, dance. It also challenges me to work harder, because able-bodied people are capable of a lot more than I am. I did really enjoy dancing with other people in wheelchairs, but after a while, I felt like I wasn't being challenged anymore.
Honestly, as a dancer, I am the happiest I've ever been. I have been given opportunities that I never thought I would get a chance to experience. A few months ago, I worked on a project with a team of dancers and a teen who was going through hard times. The point of the project was to get her to use dance as a positive outlet to express herself. She had never danced with someone in a wheelchair before. She was resistant at first, but as we got to know each other, she felt more comfortable with me. By the end, she even sat in my chair and danced in it, while I danced on the floor! I have also taken classes with world-renowned choreographers and learned styles that I've never done before. I will never forget those experiences.
I am so excited to get started and see what the year brings. Good luck to everyone going back to school, starting new jobs, and whatever else you have going on. Thanks for reading!
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