“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is yours for the taking” - Martha Graham
I love this quote! Dancing does have the ability to empower its participants and wheelchair dancing is no exception. I have seen its power as a standing partner, a wheelchair dance teacher, and a mother of a daughter, Jenna, who danced in a wheelchair. I have also seen its power in Palo Alto, California where researchers studied the participants of our six week wheelchair dance program and found significant changes in the physical might and mental health of the dancers. I have seen the power of dance in the faces and actions of the students dancing in wheelchairs at the Widener Memorial School program. I know that wheelchair dancing has changed how these students see themselves and has also changed how their standing partners from Temple University see them. I have seen the power of the program when dance teachers and therapists taking the certification course realize that dancing can excite their students and patients and motivate them to reach unimaginable physical and creative heights. Here are some examples of the power of this activity!
Because of the compelling words of our dancers and the documented power of our program and study, American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF) plans to expand the award winning “So You Think You Can’t Dance” Wheelchair Dance Program to more locations! Dr. Minna Hong, head researcher at the Palo Alto Veterans Research Hospital, officially presented her scientific report at an educational conference in September for the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, and the results were significant! Click the picture below to see the presentation.
Because of the success of the first program, ADF has been approached by a number of prestigious universities and rehabilitation hospitals interested in collaborating in the research. By participating in longer and more controlled studies, we hope to further validate the merits of the established program and provide a foundation for its implementation as an alternative therapy.
In order for more people to experience the beauty and power of dance we need your support! For all of you who have watched an ADF dance performance, danced with us either as a seated or standing partner, taken our wheelchair dance course to become a teacher, wanted to dance but did not have a program in your area, known a family member or friend that wanted to dance at a family gathering but could not, or simply know the joy of dancing and want to pass it on, please help us with a donation. Our fundraising goal for this year is $100,000. Please consider helping us reach our goal by sending a tax-deductible donation, no matter how small. You can also donate online by clicking here.
It has been more than thirteen years since I danced my first dance with a person who used a wheelchair. I hoped that he would enjoy the dancing, but never expected that we would both find the experience mutually beautiful and empowering and that so many others would feel the same way as we did when they watched and ultimately participated. Wheelchair dancing is there for the taking. I hope you will help us spread the word. The power is yours!
Sincerely,
Melinda Kremer
Executive Director
ADF would like to thank its donors and The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inglis Foundation, Hassel Foundation, and Prudential Fox and Roach for their continued support!
The official registration and financial information of American DanceWheels Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
