If you have never seen a wheelchair dance performance, or competition, you cannot imagine how cool it can be. What started at the end of the Sixties in Sweden as a recreational activity for the elderly and the disabled, has evolved to become not only a favourite passtime for both disabled and able-bodied people, but an actual competition sport governed by an international body, the International Paralympic Wheelchair Dance Sport Committee.
From Sweden to the world, dancing on wheels
What is it exactly? Wheelchair dancing is basically a couple dance where at least one of the partners is in a wheelchair. There are no limitations on the “vehicle” used: manual light chairs (there are also special competition wheelchairs for dancing) or large electric scooters, everything is fine: you can dance with any kind of wheels. The most exciting thing is to see how the dancing partners use the fluid motions of the wheelchair to their advantage to create beautiful moves and choreographies.
Dancing in Brussels
The people in this video are some very cool friends from a non profit association based in Brussels called Décalage. The association organises adventurous tours for people with mobility impairments, going all over the world, making the inaccessible accessible.When they are not exploring Ouzbekistan, India or some other exciting destination, they have a regular wheelchair dancing class and go around performing, to show off their moves in Brussels.
“Well yeah, it sucks, it was not exactly what was planned”
The song in this video is by a French slam poet, Fabien Marsaud, aka Grand Corps Malade (which means “Tall Sick Body” - he is 1,95). Fabien suffered a spine injury after an accident, from which he was told he would never walk again. Today he does walk, using a crutch, and his experience in the long process of rehabilitation inspired this song. “Espoir adapté” (“adapted hope”) is about adjusting your expectations but not letting go and fighting on to live your life to the full. We dedicate it to all the people who use a wheelchair and haven’t danced yet, because today is a good time to pick a partner and get yourself on the dance floor.
https://www.destinationeverywhere.eu/
More info: destinationeverywhere.eu