Wheelchair Dance Class Sparks Joy and Friendship for Teens

Seventeen-year-old Hannah has found a special place in her wheelchair dance class in west Oxfordshire. She started attending the class as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award, and it quickly became something she loved. Hannah says that moving to music helps her forget everything else and just enjoy dancing. She also appreciates being in a group with other teenage girls who use wheelchairs, since it can be difficult to find that kind of community elsewhere.

The dance class, called West Oxfordshire Wheelchair Dance (WOWD), is open to people of all abilities. While some members, like Hannah, use wheelchairs, others do not. The sessions are designed to give children and young people with disabilities the chance to socialize and dance with their non-disabled peers. This inclusive environment helps everyone feel welcome and valued.

Lizzie Large, who founded WOWD nine years ago, says the class quickly became popular. She believes that dance offers important benefits for both physical and mental health. Lizzie explains that for people with more limiting conditions, having the chance to explore how their bodies can move in new ways is very important. She has seen people who previously had few opportunities to go out or connect with others become part of a supportive community through dance.

Nathan is another member of the class who has made a big impact. He has Down's Syndrome and reached the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2023. Nathan says he really enjoys dancing and that it makes him happy. His success has inspired others in the class and shown that anyone can achieve great things through dance.

Last month, the Para Dance IPC and World Ability Sports Para Dance Championships were held in Stevenage. Competitors from Oxfordshire did extremely well, winning three gold medals, two silver medals, and earning third and sixth place finishes. Para dance was previously governed by the International Paralympic Committee, but last year it became part of WorldAbility Sport. Although para dance is recognized as a Paralympic sport, it was not selected for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Lizzie Large hopes that the growth of para dance will lead to it being included in future Paralympic Games. She says that would be an amazing opportunity and that things are looking very exciting for the future of the sport.

The Sun-Rae Dance Class is another group that welcomes people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. In this class, parents, children, and their coach dance together, holding blue and red pom-poms and cheering each other on. The atmosphere is joyful and supportive, showing that dance can bring people together and help them feel happy and confident.

Stories like Hannah's and Nathan's show how inclusive dance classes can make a big difference in people's lives. By giving everyone the chance to dance, make friends, and be part of a community, these classes help people feel accepted and valued, no matter what challenges they face.