I was a special education teacher for many years before becoming a home nurse. I have always worked with clients who have severe disabilities. American DanceWheels Foundation is absolutely wonderful in that it gives inspiration to those who think they can't or won't ever again dance. I was so highly impressed the first time I ever saw a performance. I share this foundation and show their videos to clients. It has given many hope. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude that American DanceWheels Foundation exists.
American Dance Wheels Foundation has had a tremendous impact on my life. I have always been a very shy and quiet person. I’d never thought I would find an activity that involves being around other people I would love so much. I joined ADF when I was in 8th grade while attending Widener Memorial School, and being involved with this organization has given me so much confidence. I loved how it was such a different class to participate in. Who would think to have a class at a school to teach wheelchair ballroom dancing? ADF did! Being a wheelchair ballroom dancer has shown me and others that our wheelchairs can be used for so much more than just rolling around. I’ve learned Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango and many other dance styles all by using my chair. I graduated from Widener but that hasn’t stopped me from being involved with ADF. Today, I am assisting Melinda Kremer, who was my dance instructor, to help others in wheelchairs become amazing dancers.
American DanceWheels is a great non-profit that helps children and adults all across the country. Their dance program is not only fun, but it is inclusive and helps break barriers between people of different ability levels.
The American DanceWheels Foundation is an incredible organization that unites people with and without disability in the art of wheelchair ballroom dance. Wheelchair ballroom engages people of all ability in a healthy activity that also provides an outlet for artistic expression and an opportunity to build self-confidence. As a certified instructor and performer with ADF for several years, I have witnessed the tangible impact of this organization as it engages in numerous initiatives that promote inclusion for the greater disability community. This makes ADF truly unique compared to other integrated dance organizations. ADF's extensive record of teaching and advocacy demonstrates the organization's commitment to deconstructing attitudinal barriers about disability in addition to uniting people across difference in a fun and engaging art form.
My nane is Rik Daniels. I’m a Speaker, Model, Dancer, Choreographer and Performance Artist. I have had an incredibly positive experience collaborating with ADF for several years now with my dance partner, Nicole Agaronnik! Most recently, Nicole and I facilitated a dance workshop at Camp Possibility in Indiana that was empowering and transformative for everyone! Beyond enabling those of us who use wheelchairs to enjoy Ballroom and Latin Dance, the syllabus created by ADF advocates for our shared endeavors of fostering inclusion and equality for all!
For the past 4 years I went to camp PossAbility, this year we learned ballroom dancing with Ric Daniels and Nicole. This was a very exile rating, yet nervous experience for me, because I only had my electric wheelchair for 6 months and I hadn't mastered navigating it yet. So trying to learn all the new moves without hitting anybody was a bit of a a challenge for me. I found Ric and Nicole to be very understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I would take it again. I would recommenced others to take this cours because ballroom dancing is fun. Thank you guys for what you do.
I'm not big on dancing by myself or in general and I had never actually ballroom danced in my wheelchair before this summer when Rik and Nicole came and taught it to us at Camp PossAbility and I really enjoyed it. I danced with one of the camp volunteers whose name was Makayla and we took a few of the dance moves that Rik and Nicole taught us and put it together into a routine the next night at the camp dance and I have a feeling that Rik and Nicole would've been happy if they were there to see it :)
These two dancers were incredibly skilled...both at dancing and teaching.
They helped guide us standing and seated partners in fun and skillful dances!
Rik and Nicole were absolutely AMAZING at Camp PossAbility this summer. They were great teachers, related to everyone well, and were just an all around great asset to our week of camp. We would definitely host them again!!
This is a fantastic program that is leveling the playing field of expectations when it comes to individuals with limited mobility. I am the founder of a program that similarly provides Virtual Reality experiences to help individuals experience things they never imagined (World in 360), and fully support this mission. Dancing can be done anywhere, without any special devices besides a wheelchair that someone is already in possession of. Hum, tap, put on some music, or just start twirling and celebrate life together as equals - we are all equal and we can all make each others' lives better!
American DanceWheels Foundation is the first organization in the U.S. to teach wheelchair ballroom and Latin dance, and their experience sure does show! They developed a curriculum that is adaptable to ANY ability level. They teach wedding couples, children, and adults, certify teachers in wheelchair dance, and perform at prestigious events, like the Pan American Games. I've watched their teachers break children out of their shells and bad behaviors and encourage them to basically live a better life...all through dance. I've watched their teachers convince young men and women who use wheelchairs that they too can dance at their wedding, something some of these young people never thought they could do. The power of dance is strong, and American DanceWheels is the best!