Mikhail Baryshnikov once said the words: “Dance for me and I will tell you who you are” (Crompton 1). These words lend themselves to different interpretations in the context of wheelchair dancing. This is because there are different reasons why people dance. Dance could be for enjoyment, cultural events, expression, therapythe list is endless. Dance is about trying to achieve rhythm with one’s body or parts of the body. This implies that even disabled people can dance for the same reasons that able-bodied people dance and more. Several researches imply that when dance is used in therapy, it can significantly impact of physical and mental well-being while improving self-esteem. This paper explores discussions and researches on wheelchair dance in terms of its role in American culture and who practices it.
Lopes, Keyla Ferrari , and Paulo Ferreira. "The wheelchair dancer within the context of spectacles." Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity and Health 3.2 (2012): 440-448. Print.
Lopes and Ferreira (441), in their journal article, write of the manner in which wheelchair dancing has changed perception of dance in the U.S and other parts of the world. Their article asserts that while the norm has been to reject individuals whose bodies do not conform to current body ideals, wheelchair dancing is re-writing these rules. In this research, Lopes and Ferreira (446), sought to investigate the effect of wheelchair dance on social inclusion. Their findings helped them conclude that wheelchair dancing had a positive effect on social inclusion. This implies that wheelchair dancing is changing cultural perceptions about dancing.
Smith, S.E.. "this ain't livin'." this ain't livin'. Version 1. S.E. Smith, 9 Feb. 2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://meloukhia.net/2013/02/wheres_the_wheelchair_dance_in_pop_culture.
Smith (n.p.), in his blog, notes the conspicuous absence of wheelchair dancing in American Television programming. He notes that while there has been a spillover of dance into television series and film. As a result, the absence of wheelchair dancing is notable and rather painful. However, he notes some important exceptions which may be moves in the right direction for American screen culture. These are instances where disabled dancers have been cast on television series and film such as Musical Chairs and Push Girls. Overall, he rates the influence of wheelchair dancing on American pop culture as “poor.”
Dils, Ann, and Ann Cooper Albright. Moving history / dancing cultures: a dance history reader. Middletown, Conn.: Wesleyan University Press, 2001. Print.
In this book, Dils and Albright (60) examine the dancing culture in the United States. They highlight perceptions on dance and the conception of bodies in American culture in the 21st Century. The book gives a detailed account of the history of dance in American culture and the different styles that have been employed over time. The book explores the meaning behind a dancer on a wheelchair. Although disability can refigure how people conceive bodies, a victory of the spirit over the body can transcend cultural perceptions. The book also mentions the Cleveland Dancing Wheels company, which employs wheelchairs in ballet dancing, stating that it has greatly influenced the dancing culture and how Americans perceive disability.
Albright, Ann Cooper. "Strategic Abilities: Negotiating the Disabled Body in Dance." Strategic Abilities: Negotiating the Disabled Body in Dance. Version 1. ANN COOPER, 1 Jan. 1998. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?cc=mqr;c=mqr;c=mqrarchive;idno=act2080.0037.313;rgn=main;view=text;xc=1;g=mqrg>.
This web source critically examines the interpretations associated with disability. The article is a narrative on how the disabled can reclaim their bodies. It is about overcoming physical limitations and the societal perception associated with them. Central to this narrative is the figure of a disabled woman seated on a wheelchair, with her naked back towards an audience. The author poses questions regarding the mystical image, requesting people to give their perceptions on it. This serves to illuminate the cultural constructs associated with disability. Against this context, the author examines how wheelchair dances can impact on culture and to challenge cultural constructs.
Greg, G.G.. "The Dancing Wheels Company." G.G. Greg Agency Presents. Version 1. G.G. Greg Agency , 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gggreg.com/dancingwheels.htm>.
Americandancewheels.org. "American DanceWheels Foundation | American Style Wheelchair Ballroom & Latin Dance." American DanceWheels Foundation | American Style Wheelchair Ballroom & Latin Dance. Version 1. ADW, 1 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.americandancewheels.org/>.
This web source provides information on the American Dance Wheels Foundation which teaches Latin and Ballroom Dance. It is a non-profit organization which provides both able bodied and disabled people with the opportunity to enjoy Wheelchair dancing American. The author notes that DanceWheels developed the first ever wheelchair dancing syllabus known as “Wheel one.” The organization promotes wheelchair dance by way of educational performances and seminars in schools, dance studios and rehabilitation centers throughout the country. Overall, the website dwells on the positive impact that wheelchair dancing is having on cultural perceptions as well as the functional, physical, physiological and psychological benefits of the practice.
Upper, Nancy. Ballet dancers in career transition: sixteen success stories. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2004. Print.
In this book, Upper (220-228) conduct case study on Infinity Dance Theater in terms of its history, the manner in which it is operated and the dance styles which are employed. The instructors integrate movement, rhythm, preparation and performance by developing an embodied art-form. The author critically examines wheelchair dancing and how people associate with it. The author notes that the company makes use of disabled as well as able-bodied people to emphasize the “otherness” of disabled people which is not just about their handicaps but about their personality which can be shared in a manner that is unhindered by societal constructs on disability.
Male, Jessie. "Wheels Welcome: Axis Dance Company." Dance Magazine 1 Feb. 2010: 2. Print.
Male (1-2) in this magazine article documents various aspects of Axis Dance Company, a wheelchair dancing company that utilizes disables as well as able-bodied people in its dances. The author calls this company a “mixed ability” company and makes a distinction between wheelchair dancing and therapy dancing. The article details the work done by this company such as in performing at concerts and improving the social, physical and psychological well-being of the dancers. The significance of this source is that it portrays Axis Dance Company as one of the most popular wheelchair dancing institution in the United States.
Work Cited
Albright, Ann Cooper. "Strategic Abilities: Negotiating the Disabled Body in Dance." Strategic Abilities: Negotiating the Disabled Body in Dance. Version 1. ANN COOPER, 1 Jan. 1998. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?cc=mqr;c=mqr;c=mqrarchive;idno=act2080.0037.313;rgn=main;view=text;xc=1;g=mqrg>.
Americandancewheels.org. "American DanceWheels Foundation | American Style Wheelchair Ballroom & Latin Dance." American DanceWheels Foundation | American Style Wheelchair Ballroom & Latin Dance. Version 1. ADW, 1 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.americandancewheels.org/>.
Crompton, Sarah. "Strictly Come Dancing 2013, week five, review." The Telegraph. Version 1. Telegraph Media Group, 26 Oct. 2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/strictly-come-dancing/10404917/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2013-week-five-review.html>.
Dils, Ann, and Ann Cooper Albright. Moving history / dancing cultures: a dance history reader. Middletown, Conn.: Wesleyan University Press, 2001. Print.
Greg, G.G.. "The Dancing Wheels Company." G.G. Greg Agency Presents. Version 1. G.G. Greg Agency , 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.gggreg.com/dancingwheels.htm>.
Lopes, Keyla Ferrari , and Paulo Ferreira. "The wheelchair dancer within the context of spectacles." Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity and Health 3.2 (2012): 440-448. Print.
Smith, S.E.. "this ain't livin'." this ain't livin'. Version 1. S.E. Smith, 9 Feb. 2013. Web. 23 Nov. 2013. <http://meloukhia.net/2013/02/wheres_the_wheelchair_dance_in_pop_culture.
Upper, Nancy. Ballet dancers in career transition: sixteen success stories. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2004. Print.
