Wyre Forest were represented at a prestigious Keep Fit Association annual event on Saturday 30th April at Birmingham Symphony Hall. There were 300 participants from all over the UK and Channel Islands but what made it special for Wyre Forest is that they represented the UK with our very own Wheelchair Dance Sport team called Emotions as partner and guest performers.
The team are under the guidance of Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (UK) instructor Elaine Ball and is supported by Wyre Forest Sport Development. You do not have to be in a wheelchair to participate but each member trains in a wheelchair to fully understand how to control movement and get a greater understanding.
Show producer Lynne Casey of KFA found the performance very moving and commended the team for their excellent interpretation as ‘ inspirational ‘. Many very able-bodied performers took the time to come and personally congratulate the team. They were also congratulated on their costumes that had been made by team leader Elaine and Torie Fletcher.
Elaine said, “We proved today that the WDSA (UK) motto ‘everyone can dance’ is not only true but very important. Wheelchair dancing is great fun and helps improve attitude towards anyone with a disability “. The team consisted of six wheelchair dancers and six musical guides (standing dancers who dance with wheelchair users).
At the finale, the Wyre Forest wheelchair dancers took centre stage as 300 performers all did the same routine. Emotions also provided the only two male dancers in the whole event, James ‘JT’ Tweedie and Tom Farley. Tom is in his final year of study at Worcester University completing his Performing Arts Degree. The training he has had with Emotions and with sister company Wheely Different Theatre Company, has formed part of his final dissertation and the team are very proud of everything he has achieved.
The theme of the event this year was Move to the Rhythm – The Elements.
Emotions danced to ‘Let it go’ taking the lyrics ” I am one with the wind and snow”. The song talks about isolation and being ‘different’. The performance piece was suitably timed. When the team left the building, it was snowing!
For more details on wheelchair dance, contact Elaine at email: wyreforest.slsw@yahoo.co.uk or directly to WDSA (UK) by visiting their website www.wdsauk.co.uk or emailing info@wdsauk.co.uk