Ballroom dancing in a wheelchair is just as elegant, stylish and classy as traditional ballroom dancing.
I spoke with one para athlete, Cheryl Angelelli. She told me para dance, a dance sport for people in wheelchairs, is just dancing with a different twist.
“It’s just a feeling that’s indescribable,” Angelelli said. “Para dancer, it’s just so much fun. I love it.”
Before Angelelli became a paraplegic, she ballroom danced. She says this experience is different, but it still brings her the same joy.
“The ease of the movement and the freedom. The speed at which we move. Like I said, it’s just an exhilarating feeling,” Angelelli said.
Angelelli was practicing this week with her partner. She is preparing for a competition with other para dancers this weekend.
“So, it’s an international competition,” she said. “Nearly 80 dancers from 15 countries will be competing.”
The best part she says is the competition is in her hometown of Dearborn for its first time ever in the U.S.
Tamerlan Gadirov owns the dance studio where Angelelli trains. He began ballroom dancing with her nearly eight years ago.