Competitive Dance for Individuals With Disabilities

Authors

  • Serap Inal

Keywords:

dance, disability, wheelchair dancing

Abstract

Dance can play an important part in developing physical and emotional capabilities of people with disabilities (Kowalksi; Pacchetti et.al., 2000; Hokkanen, et.al., 2008; Wanwichai, 2010; Nãtasa, 2012). With the guidance of music, rhythmic dance activities have a positive effect on the mobility of the body, hence increasing strength, coordination, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, dance stimulates the development of a connection between mind and body improving body image and spatial awareness as well as social skills (Ashley, & Crenan, 1993; Kowalski, 2000). Wheelchair dance as an inclusive activity for individuals with disabilities dates as far back as 1968 (Strassel et al., 2011), and in 1998 wheelchair dance became an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Championship Sport. The purpose of this article is to introduce the benefits of dance for individuals with disabilities and then highlight wheelchair dance as a competitive activity.

Issue

Section

Feature Articles