There are numerous activities that, unfortunately, individuals with disabilities are not able to participate in. At least, that has traditionally been true. In the past few years; however, there have been numerous advances that have allowed persons with disabilities to begin participating in a wider range of activities. One of the most popular activities now is wheelchair basketball. So, it only stands to reason that the next logical step in the advancement of individuals with disabilities would be the chance to wheelchair dance.

In case you've never heard of the term wheelchair dance, it is simply any kind of dancing in which one of the dancers dances from a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Think it's impossible? It's not and many people are proving and having a great time doing so.

Wheelchair dance classes are popping up all over the place. Some of the most popular wheelchair dance classes teach waltz, ballroom and Latin dancing. The only difference between this type of dancing and any other traditional dancing is that at least one of the partners is disabled and uses a wheelchair for mobility.

The truth of the matter is that it is even possible to wheelchair dance when both partners are using a wheelchair for mobility. Wheelchair dancing has become popular in Europe and there is even new terminology to go along with this new style of dancing. For example, the term combi couple is used to describe a dance couple when one is able bodied and the other is disabled. In the event that both dance partners are disabled, the correct term to use is duo couple.

Wheelchair dancing has even become so popular that manuals are now being published on the subject. These manuals detail all of the important details of wheelchair dance movement as well as technique. One of the most important factors in learning wheelchair dancing is creating a rhythmic manner for the person or person who are disabled to move. This means basing the leads and follows on other accepted methods for leading and following that are traditionally used in regular able bodied dancing. In the case of wheelchair dancing; however, the leads and follows must be adapted to take into consideration the way in which manual and power wheelchairs will react and move.

While wheelchair dancing may sound as though it would be complicated, when the adapted steps are learned this can be a fun way to participate in an activity that has been denied to persons with disabilities for far too long.

In addition to the fact that wheelchair dancing can be a lot of fun, it is also a great way for both partners to get exercise, whether both are disabled or only one is disabled. Just a few of the types of wheelchair dances that you can learn and participate in include the rumba, waltz, cha cha, tango and swing.

While there may be activities that persons with disabilities might not be able to participate in, there is no reason why everyone should not be able to enjoy the fun and joy of dancing-whether it is wheelchair dancing or 'traditional dancing.'