Whether your musical preferences run to the classic or the modern, you’ll enjoy remarkable dance performances that range from a fresh, hip-hoppin’ wheelchair dance crew to an elegant ballroom style that integrates people with and without disabilities.
But don’t get too comfortable in the audience. Dancing is a powerful tool that helps all people with both physical control and expression. The overall effect is one of power, beauty, encouragement and inspiration that is meant to be shared. Following the productions, performers will take the time to instruct you in basic dance moves and partnering. You’ll be cutting a rug in no time!
Colours ‘N Motion Dance Crew
Saturday, April 10: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Auti Angel and Mia Shaikewitz have transformed the art of hip hop dancing by seamlessly incorporating their wheelchairs into well-choreographed dance routines. These talented, dynamic dancers can get any audience into the groove as they pop, lock and roll in synchronized motion to an upbeat hip hop rhythm. From robot-style moves to wheelie pirouettes, these amazing women will not only showcase their mad dancing skills, they will teach you a few of your own.
The Colours ‘n Motion Dance Crew, the world’s first hip hop wheelchair dance team, was born in 2003 through the determination of Angel and now Abilities Expo Ambassador Briana Walker. The duo paid their dues with performances at small local venues before landing a primetime gig dancing with Ludacris at the First Annual Vibe Music Awards. The crew was joined in 2008 by Shaikewitz, a heavy hitter who swung with some mean dance moves.
These days, Angel and Shaikewitz continue the legacy with a hot new look and cool new moves. They continue to dance their hearts out and encourage other dancers in wheelchairs to roll up and join the crew.
WheelChairDancers.org
Sunday, April 11: 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Be it a graceful waltz or a dramatic salsa, WheelChairDancers holds to the principle that dancing is for everyone. One of the early pioneers of Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin dancing, this organization was the first to offer the sport in Southern California. Certified wheelchair dancing instructor William Valencia will bring his expertise to bear for Abilities Expo attendees.
WheelChairDancers believes that people of all ages and abilities should have the opportunity to partner dance and teaches an adaptive form of the classic dance steps which allow a person with a disability to twirl away with an able-bodied partner. Stop by to learn some basic social dancing moves. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire on wheels!
WheelChairDancers was co-founded by Valencia, owner of Absolutely DanceSport Dance Studio in San Diego, California, and Beverly Weurding, a wheelchair user with muscular dystrophy. Her diagnosis only strengthened her resolve that her disability would not hold her back from the things that she loved to do.
Weurding embarked on a mission to find a way to dance. After receiving rejection after rejection from San Diego dance studios, she found Valencia, the one instructor who wanted to hear about her dream and make it a reality. And WheelChairDancers was born.
Now people with disabilities can learn the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango, Salsa, Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha and more. According to Valencia, this program makes an overwhelming difference in the lives of wheelchair users, giving them greater access to social scenes and places where people can dance. Dancing creates “an energy that’s in your body and every part of your soul,” said Valencia, “There’s nothing like it.”
“Through what we are doing we are inspiring others that are in wheelchairs to break that barrier that isolates them,” said Weurding. “I love dancing on wheels…one stroke, one roll at a time.”
Valencia’s wheelchair dancing protégés describe the experience as both emotional and freeing. “You’re moving to the music and you feel beautiful and it just brings out that gracefulness from deep within you,” one dancer commented.
To find out more about classes at WheelChairDancers, call (858) 573-1571 or email info@wheelchairdancers.org.
Now people with disabilities can learn the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango, Salsa, Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha and more. According to Valencia, this program makes an overwhelming difference in the lives of wheelchair users, giving them greater access to social scenes and places where people can dance. Dancing creates “an energy that’s in your body and every part of your soul,” said Valencia, “There’s nothing like it.”
