WHEELCHAIR DANCESPORT DEBUTS AT COLORADO STAR BALL
Author - Richard Booth
Jul 15, 2002

For the first time ever in the United States, competitors rolled onto the floor at this year's Colorado Star Ball. Organizers Richard and Jennifer Booth introduced wheelchair dance as an exhibition last year and added it as a competitive event this year. In addition to solo showcase numbers, there was a three couple final in Viennese Waltz and a four couple final in the combi event of Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Cha Cha. Each couple consisted of a wheelchair user paired with a non-disabled partner in the unisex events. Competing this year were 4 couples: Theresa Bottoms and Timothy Nyman, Tina Logsdon and Daniel Su, Teri Westerman and Jeffrey Kubic of Booth's Dancesport Ballroom in Denver, Colorado and Ray Leight and Melinda Kremer of Fortuna's Universal Dance Center making the trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to compete. Watching the couples navigate the floor, it quickly became apparent that physical limitations are not a barrier for anyone who wants to dance. Dave Watson, attending the Colorado Star Ball with his students said, "Wheelchair dancers are serious dancers. It is not as easy to appreciate what is going on when watching the wheelchair ladies being led by able-bodied guys; however, when the wheelchair gentlemen are leading the able-bodied ladies, that's when you really see the art and the science of what's going on. The wheelchair dancers use their body weight, through the arm connection and their control of their vehicles, to dance with their partners. They are definitely not passive participants. The maneuvering of the chairs, while the partner's feet are only inches away, requires a skill I can only imagine. And to do this while leading or following another person at the same time is really amazing to see. On top of that, of course, they must also maintain timing and rhythm, connection, characteristic expression of the dance as well as personal expression and interpretation.just like any other dancer."
There are competitions in Europe devoted almost exclusively to wheelchair dancing. The first international competition took place in Sweden in 1997 and the first World Championships were organized in Japan in 1998. Today, more than 5000 dancers (4000 wheelchair users and 1500 non-disabled partners) practice wheelchair dance on both a recreational or competitive level in more than 40 countries. While there are a number of dance companies featuring wheelchair dance in the United States, most of them are in the arena of ballet or jazz. And, until this year's Colorado Star Ball, there have been no dancesport competitive opportunities for wheelchair dancers in this country. Now, thanks to Richard and Jennifer Booth, the door has been opened for what those attending the Colorado Star Ball hope will grow into a mainstream event at NDCA comps around the country. The challenge in the United States is to develop resources for teaching professionals and outreach to the wheelchair dancers waiting to roll onto the floor. Based on the response from judges, competitors and spectators at the Colorado Star Ball and the inquiries the Booth's received before and after the event, the interest is there. As Dave Watson says, "Considering the obstacles that these athletes have already overcome, I would say that it was time for the organizations to look at this issue and try to find a place for these dancers at the family table."
Anyone wanting more information can contact Richard and Jennifer Booth by phone at 303 412-1213 or via email at info@coloradostarball.com or visit the Colorado Star Ball website at http://www.coloradostarball.com.