Wheelchair dancers' performance

A two-day International Malta Open Dance Spectacular sponsored by the Vodafone Malta Foundation will be held at the University Sports Hall, in Msida, on Saturday and Sunday, organised by the Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association.

The association was set up in 2001 with the aim of teaching people in wheelchairs to dance in a similar format to non-disabled people.

There are two forms of dance for competitive purposes, the Combi, where one partner is in a wheelchair and one is non-disabled, and the Duo where two persons are in wheelchairs. The dances practiced are: Latin American, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive, and the Standard category - Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep.

Wheelchair dancing holds many benefits for participants, such as the expression of the feeling of dance, which has nothing to do with the use of the person's legs. Through the wheelchair and the use of arms and other parts of the body, movement is made in the same way as with non-disabled people. Moreover, participation on a social level helps a person gain confidence and enjoy connecting with other people.

Vodafone Malta Foundation chairman Gemma Mifsud Bonnici praised the Malta Dancesport Association's enthusiasm. She said such events helped to eliminate many misconceptions about the abilities of wheelchair users and had the added advantage of encouraging new friendships.