Demonstrations & Dance Styles
The WDSA (UK) is always looking for opportunities to work with individuals, charities or companies to show case and promote Wheelchair Dance and Wheelchair Dance Sport.
If you would like to discuss a couple, individual or group of wheelchair sport dancers attending your event to demonstrate what we can do please do get in contact with us and we would be happy to discuss your requirements. As we always say
“the only dance we can’t can’t do is the can can because we have not figured out how to do the splits in a wheelchair YET!”
You can email us on projects@wdsauk.co.uk or call 0300 111 30 45.
To help you understand the types of demonstrations or dances on offer, we have put together this guide to introduce you to some of the most popular dance styles taught in the UK and the WDSA (UK) is working to ensure all of these dances will be open to wheelchair dancers.
Not sure which wheelchair dance style you’d like to try or see? Below is a quick guide to some of the most popular dance styles and we at the WDSA (UK) will ensure if we cannot do it well help you find an organisation that would.
Dance Styles
Cero
Cero is a simplified version of jive and quite similar to swing but without the complicated footwork. Ceroc, short for the French phrase “C’est rock”, evolved from jive, which was introduced by American GIs stationed in France during the Second World War. It’s fun and easy to learn, which explains why it’s the largest and fastest growing partner dance in the UK.
This is an example but is not connected with WDSA(UK) – Ceroc
Street dance
Street Dance describes urban dance styles that evolved in the street, school yards and nightclubs, including hip-hop, popping, locking, krumping and breaking. These dances are practised competitively as well as being an art form and a form of physical exercise.
This is an example but is not connected with WDSA(UK) – Street Dance
Ballet
The first ballet school, the Académie Royale de Danse, was established in France in 1661. Today there are three main forms of ballet: classical, neoclassical and contemporary. Ballet’s conventional steps, grace and fluidity of movement are a great foundation for dance in general.
This is an example but is not connected with WDSA(UK) – Ballet
Contemporary
Unlike dances such as ballet, contemporary dance is not associated with specific techniques. In contemporary dance, people attempt to explore the natural energy and emotions of their bodies to produce dances that are often very personal.
Salsa dancing
Salsa Dancing is a fun and flirtatious form of partner dancing, fusing steamy Afro-Caribbean and Latin styles into simple and lively movements. The word “salsa” is Spanish for “sauce” (usually hot and spicy), which is an appropriate description for a dance that is energetic, passionate and sexy. The basic steps are easy to learn and you’ll salsa your way across the dance floor before you know it.
Ballroom dancing
Ballroom dancing has made a comeback in recent years, partly thanks to TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly Dance Fever. There are many styles of ballroom dancing from around the world, such as the waltz, tango and foxtrot, and each has specific step patterns. It is essential for both partners, the leader as well as the follower, to know the steps so they can dance together.
Zumba
Zumba is a popular fitness programme inspired by Latin dance. The word “Zumba” comes from a Colombian word that means to move fast and have fun. Using upbeat Latin music together with cardiovascular exercise, Zumba is aerobic dancing that is great fun and easy to learn.
This is an example but is not connected with WDSA(UK) – Zumba
Flamenco
From Andalucia in Spain, this is the dance of swirling skirts, castanets and breathtakingly fast heel stomping. Flamenco’s musical and dance traditions are centuries old, blending gypsy, Moorish and Andalucian influences. Flamenco is a solo dance characterised by hand clapping, percussive footwork and intricate hand, arm and body movements.
Tap dance
Tap Dance uses shoes with small metal plates on the soles to make the dance itself part of the music. Tap evolved in America and had its roots in African dance, Irish dance and clog dancing. Tap is as popular today as it was in the heyday of the great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly musicals, and companies like Tap Dogs demonstrate how contemporary it can be.
Bollywood dancing
Stems from the Indian film industry and is now popular throughout the world. It is known for being upbeat and often helping to tell a story or show emotions. Bollywood dance blends classical Indian dance forms, with its intricate hand gestures and footwork, with modern western styles, including hip-hop and jazz.
Modern jazz dancing
Modern Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Jazz dance evolved alongside jazz music and was popularised in ballrooms across the US by the big bands of the swing era. Jazz dance offers a full body workout, developing dance ability, flexibility, strength and rhythm.