Dancing for people with disabilities. Everybody dance

The story of the suspension of Russian athletes from the 2016 Paralympics has received a new development, this time not directly related to the Games.

From September 9 to 11, the 2016 Wheelchair Dance World Cup/Continental Cup was held in St. Petersburg. Wheelchair dancing is a sport that originated in the UK in the late 1960s as a means of rehabilitation for people with musculoskeletal disabilities.

Since the late 1990s, European, world and other major championships began to be held in wheelchair dancing. international competitions. During the same period this type sports began to develop rapidly in the post-Soviet space.

Currently, wheelchair dancing is recognized as a sport in more than 45 countries around the world.

Representatives of 11 countries took part in the 2016 World Cup in St. Petersburg, which was held in the city on the Neva for the third time.

The first day of the competition passed without incident, and following its results, an awards ceremony took place, in which Russian athletes took part.

“Stop awarding Russian athletes”

The success of Russians is not a sensation; they are in the sport of wheelchair dancing in last years are in leading roles.

A sensation with a minus sign broke out the night before the second day of the tournament - it became known that a ban had been imposed on awarding Russians.

The fact is that dance Sport wheelchair sports have been supervised by the International Paralympic Committee since 1998, although they are not included in the program of the Paralympic Games.

As you know, the IPC suspended the Russian team from participation in the Paralympics. However, this formulation is not entirely accurate. Not only the national team was suspended, but also the entire Russian Paralympic Committee. This means that Russian Paralympic athletes find themselves in the position of track and field athletes who are prohibited from participating in international competitions.

On the night after the first day of the World Cup, its organizers received an urgent directive from the IPC: not to reward the Russians.

“On the night before the second day of competition, an urgent comment was received from a representative of the International Paralympic Committee to stop further awards for Russian athletes. The Wheelchair Dance World Cup is an international ranking tournament in the Paralympic sport, therefore it falls under the current situation with the suspension of the Russian Paralympic Committee,” the statement says. official statement Federation of Wheelchair Dance Sports.

Different medals and different ceremonies

It should probably be recalled that the IPC did not provide a single convincing fact that could justify the suspension of Russian athletes. References to the notorious “McLaren report” are ridiculous - there is not a single fact of doping violations on the part of domestic Paralympic athletes who are members of the national team.

The same can be said about the wheelchair dancers - no complaints were made against them. All the more disgusting and humiliating was the IPC directive received by the organizers of the tournament in St. Petersburg.

The organizers of the World Cup found themselves in difficult situation. On the one hand, it is impossible not to comply with the IPC directive - this could turn against the entire sport. On the other hand, reward instead real winners those who turned out to be weaker is nonsense.

“As a result of an emergency meeting of the Organizing Committee of the Wheelchair Dance Sports World Cup, the following decision was made. The award ceremony in full auditorium with Internet broadcast to all countries of the world, the overall results of the tournament were held, including all the results of dancers from Russia. At the end of all competitions and main events of the World Cup, the counting commission distributed places according to the protocols without taking into account the results of the Russian Team. After this, the technical procedure for presenting medals and diplomas to foreign athletes took place. According to the rules of the International Paralympic Committee, the technical distribution of places took place only in those disciplines in which, after excluding the results of Russian athletes, three or more participating countries remained,” the Wheelchair Dance Sports Federation said in a statement.

The result was this: first, the Russian winners were awarded cups from the Federation, and only then, after all the official ceremonies were completed, the foreigners were awarded medals with the symbols of the International Paralympic Committee.

Meanness without borders

At this ceremony, most foreigners, receiving medals, refused to wear them. Just as athletes, they understood that what was happening had nothing to do with justice.

Famous Russian translator and blogger Dmitry “Goblin” Puchkov, commenting on these events on his website, noted: “The IPC is simply obliged to disqualify those who refused to accept awards.”

It is possible that this is exactly how MPC officials will act. They stooped to search wheelchair athletes from Belarus, trying to prevent a rally in support of the suspended Russians at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

It seems that the Paralympic movement has nowhere to go any lower. However, the honorable IPC head Philip Craven, whose efforts have unleashed this dirty political campaign, may reveal to the world previously unknown levels of baseness.

Wheelchair Dance sports included in the Paralympic Games are Combi style dances. The Combi style (from the word “combined”) means that the pair involves a dancer who uses a wheelchair and a non-disabled dancer. The program includes classical dances (waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot, quickstep) and Latin American dances - samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and jive.

Wheelchair Dancing originated in the UK in the late 1960s and by the mid-70s it had spread throughout Europe. In 1997, dance sport came to Russia and Belarus. For the first time in Russia, wheelchair users danced at the Ballroom Dance Festival in St. Petersburg in 1999.

In 1998, wheelchair dancing as a sport was included in the list of the International Paralympic Games. Gertrude Krombholtz (Germany) is the chairperson of the wheelchair dancing section of the International Paralympic Committee. The first official international competition took place in Sweden in 1997. It was the European Championship. The first world championship was organized in Japan in 1998. Today, more than 5,500 dancers from 40 countries (4,000 in wheelchairs and 1,500 non-wheelchair partners) participate in this dance sport, both at the amateur and competitive levels. .

At the hobby level, wheelchair dancing can be done in different styles- ballroom, folk (for example, square dance, round dance), modern dance, as well as ballet. In addition to the Combi dance, which was mentioned above, there is a style of duet dance, if both partners in wheelchairs dance together. The style of dance in an ensemble is known, if all partners are only in wheelchairs, or mixed with non-disabled partners, they dance in a free ratio. Style solo dance involves one performer in a wheelchair.

Following the inclusion of Wheelchair Dance in the Paralympic Games, the immediate priorities of the International Paralympic Committee are:

Encourage all organizations for disabled athletes to include Wheelchair Dance in their program
Train and improve the skills of dancers through appropriate training and information exchange
Promote and support wheelchair dancing through demonstrations, publications and various exhibitions
Prepare and promote instructors, teachers, coaches, and international level judges.

Wheelchair dance program:

Official competitions of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC):

Winter Paralympic Games
World Championships

IPC Sanctioned and Approved Competitions:

Permission from the IPC is required to organize:

Regional Championships
Competitions with international invitations (may be called "cup", "prize" or "grand prix")
National Open Championships

In order for the championship to qualify as an “International Wheelchair Dance Competition”, more than 4 countries must be invited.

Eligibility Rules

Couples:

The dance couple must consist of a female and a male partner, one of whom is a wheelchair user
All wheelchair dancers must have a minimum disability

Medical conditions:

Mandatory medical clearance is required to practice wheelchair dancing.

Suitability:

Athletes with musculoskeletal disabilities are allowed to compete

Main principle:

An athlete may have an underlying injury in the lower body that:

obvious and easily recognizable
makes walking and dancing impossible

The minimum disability is considered to be:

Amputation: ankle
Paresis: loss of muscle strength 10 points (not counting stages 1 and 2; maximum score 80 points)
Joint changes: ankle immobility (fusion) defect in extension of at least 30 degrees or knee fusion
CP (cerebral palsy): Spasticity, incoordination corresponding to CP, class 7 Shortening of legs: at least seven (7) cm

Note:
A) Normal functioning of the upper body is allowed. Any damage to the upper body does not apply to the minimum disability in the lower body;
B) The participation of people with disorders of the hip joints, for example - limited mobility, is not expected; they are not allowed to participate in the competition;
C) People without a required minimum disability are not eligible to compete: those who are unable to dance regularly due to chronic post-traumatic pain disorders, ankle and knee instability, or similar conditions. The use of doping is prohibited in accordance with the rules of the IPC

Registration

Applications for participation in the “International Wheelchair Dance Competitions” are submitted exclusively through the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) or equivalent National Sports Organizations for the Disabled.
Invitations to the “International Competition” must be arranged between the National Paralympic Committee/National Sports Organization and the International Paralympic Committee – International competition. The invitation must contain the competition registration date assigned by the IPC.
Each National PC is permitted to send a maximum of three couples per class to official competitions, provided that the IPC fee is paid.
To participate in the International Wheelchair Dance Sports Competition, dancers must be a member of the National PC (or equivalent Sports Organization for the Disabled).
Each participant must have a registration book from the NPC, which indicates the name, address, NPC, club or ID (identification number).

Insurance: Each participant must have a certificate of accident insurance and a payment obligation. The IPC and the competition organizer are not responsible for any accident.

Competition categories

Form:

Combi dance. A wheelchair dancer dances with a standing partner.

Single couples: each couple dances their own program dance.

Sections:

Standard Classical dances:
- waltz
- tango
- Viennese waltz
- slow foxtrot
- quickstep
Latin American dances:
- samba
- cha-cha-cha
- rumba
- paso doble
- jive

Classes:

Each section is divided into classes (see below).

Test procedure:

Each athlete must pass a test on the floor according to the conditions of the competition (in a competition wheelchair, using belts, supports for those who need it).

The functioning of each side of the body is assessed:

full functioning - 2 points
decreased functioning - 1 point
lack of functioning - 0 points
maximum value of points - 20

The five criteria are abilities:

Stroller control: accelerate and stop the wheel with one or the other hand;

Push function: pushing in contact with a partner with one hand, direct the movement of the stroller with the other hand;

Pull function (pull): holding your partner’s hand with one hand, pull him in your direction, while simultaneously driving the stroller backwards;

Full hand function: with a hand free from steering the stroller, be able to change the direction of movement, while achieving complete straightening of the joints and coordination;

Torso rotation: When rotating the body, keeping hands on the neck, the athlete tries to maintain balance.

Classes:

Classes for wheelchair dance competitions in the standard dance and Latin American sections are as follows:

class 1: 14 points or less
class 2: more than 14 points.

Classification card:

All dancers with disabilities must submit an IPC Medical Classification prior to competition. After two international classifications the class must be permanent.

Permanent classification:

The basis is a disability that is not likely to change.
"Permanent" can only be given by two (2) different international classifiers from different countries.
Athletes who show their valid Permanent Classification Qualification Card are not required to be tested prior to competition.

Basic rules of dance etiquette

(Free translation from English, original by Pete Magsig.)

The partner always offers his partner his right hand.
A man accompanies a lady to the parquet floor.
Never dance with someone who has stepped on your foot twice.
A man should always lead. (The man must always lead).
Keep the volume between you.
You cannot look into the cut of your partner’s dress while dancing. But this does not apply to other partners.
Colliding with someone is bad manners.
Never, Never, Never, start with two.
Never dance the Viennese waltz to disco.
If you see an attractive person of the opposite sex, do something to dance with him.
You cannot touch your partner while dancing.
Remove your sombrero before dancing.
Try not to step on your feet.
Don't forget that the Earth rotates and is below - you can fall.
Do the dress catapult if she has too much ego. (“Cast” her dress if she is being too selfish).
You cannot knock your partner on the wall (or partner).
Don't step on other people's feet.
During the dance, hold only your partner (or partner) in your hands.
Don't get nervous when you see someone pointing at your left leg or crooked arm.
Don't wear shoes on high heels or gliding like skates, especially if you have two left feet.
If you accidentally get caught in the hair of a couple dancing next to you, simply apologize and continue dancing, otherwise you will create a traffic jam.
If you achieve an erection, cleverly suggest to your partner that you "sit this one out." (If you are overstimulated, it would be wise to tell your partner that you will have one dance to rest).
Finish latin dance, gently and effectively clinging to your partner - then over his shoulder you can look at other partners.
Before dancing, if you ate ice cream or something sticky, you should wash your hands.
If you accidentally push another pair, to save good relations, do not call the partner of that couple a “clumsy donkey” and the partner a “cow on ice”.
Kiss during Viennese waltz- not only impolite, but also dangerous. Find a time and place for this, but not while dancing. Refrain from having intense feelings for your partner unless there is a sudden power outage.
Do not Cry.
Don't let your partner scream.
Don't shout together.
Do not lean when lowering and do not hang when lifting.
If your partner is better, let her lead.
Smile.
Don't eat green bananas.
Know where your hands are.
Be very careful when saying the words "I love you" while dancing. (Be careful about saying "I love you" while dancing.)
Dance where there is light.
Don't creak your bones - don't embarrass your partner/partner.
Don't wear a very long dress.
If you knock over a couple, help them get up - don't stand next to them laughing wildly.
No mirrors on your shoes!
Women with ample breasts should always wear a jogging bra when doing the cha-cha. (Women with large busts should always wear a “special” cha-cha bra.)
Save your money at the cafeteria and when purchasing food.
If your partner steps on your foot, smile and tell her it's okay. If she continues to persist, quietly place a tarantula on her dress.
Don't dance for an hour after eating.
Brush your teeth.
Dry your palms.
Keep it light.
No moving down old girl friends dancing with other men. (Don't curse old girlfriends who dance with other men).
Don't dance the polka during the rumba.
Don't count out loud.
Avoid extreme bending.
Don't do anything without knowing how.
Don't improvise.
Be cordial, ask the older ladies to shake things up.
Clean underwear must be worn by both partners during the Lambada. (to prevent transmission of a sexually transmitted disease). (Wash your underwear...)
Don't sweat.
Don't touch the floor with your hands.
Don't sing.
Don't wear shoes that ask for porridge.
Don"t let the stars get in your eyes. Don't let the stars sparkle in your eyes.
Hide your heavy breathing (out of breath).
Remove unwanted hair.
Do not step over a fallen partner.
Don't move your lips while maintaining the rhythm.
The man holds his hands in the waltz in such a way that a simple turn should strike the audience with a chill.
The partner does not keep his hand on the partner's back below the waist.
Only dance with people that will make you look good. (Only dancing with your own kind will help you look good.)
Make sure your boots are clean.
Never stop until the music ends.
Always thank your partner.

Education

When a person is happy, he dances.
And when he dances, he is sometimes happy.
Stanislav Popov, President of RTS.

We simply don’t have studios and dance schools where they teach wheelchair dancing in Russia. There are wheelchair dancing clubs in St. Petersburg, where six couples practice in the Combi style and one duet couple (read the “Articles” section). And there is a Center for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Athletes in Belarus, in Minsk, where we attended the training camp.

About the Belarusian Center for Rehabilitation of Disabled People

We learned about this amazing center from Belarusian friends and soon received an invitation to take a wheelchair dancing course. New, unknown for us provincial town(and for the region too) a sport, and is it even a sport - dancing? Yes, it is a sport, decorated with elegant plasticity and music.

It is necessary, says Valery Kirillovich Kolomiets (director of the Rehabilitation Center and president of the Fund for Assistance to Disabled Athletes), to attract as many young people as possible to work and sports, especially with disabilities so that they don’t walk around restless, don’t feel superfluous, so that they find something to do to their liking. This is the only way society will grow and develop, and not degrade.

Created in the early 90s, the Belarusian Fund for Assistance to Disabled Athletes was once included in the program of the International Humanitarian Fund. A lot of voluntary work has been put into the work of the foundation, which has brought amazing results. Perhaps in to a greater extent This was facilitated by the inexhaustible activity and perseverance of the president of the foundation, the honored coach of the Republic of Belarus, a former famous track and field athlete, who break any barriers to new ideas.

Much is done with our own hands. Brick by brick, meter by meter, step by step. The area allocated to this center is not so large, but it is so well-groomed, and the placement of everything that is necessary for training, training camps, and preparation for the future Paralympic Games is so well thought out. This Center is specially adapted for people in wheelchairs. Paths, ramps, shower rooms, toilets, furniture and everything else in the cottages, sauna, dining room and sports complex are landscaped so that a person in a wheelchair feels completely physically independent here. There are even automatic washing machines.

There are several rehabilitation programs here: rehabilitation through work, through tourism, a computer course and foreign language, and the main program as main view The activities of the Center and the Foundation are rehabilitation through sports, this includes general physical training, aerobics, rhythmic gymnastics, with a great emphasis on wheelchair dancing. In total, the program, which is exhibited at competitions and championships, contains 10 dances: 5 Latin American and 5 classical, all the same as in ordinary sports (ballroom) dances. The traditional direction in this sport is combi dancing (from the word “combined”), this is when one of the partners is in a wheelchair and the other is not, preferably a professional dancer. Now a new direction is developing - duet dancing (in Europe it is called briefly "duo") - both partners are in wheelchairs. This is the species we were introduced to.

The training lasted for two weeks, we learned three dances: samba, waltz and cha-cha-cha. The training camp was conducted by the world champions in wheelchair dancing (combi type) 2000 in Norway, Elena Serkulskaya and Vladimir Zyablov. Anna Zhukova, a multiple winner of various world championships, studied choreography and psychology with us. There was also a make-up lesson (image, make-up). We also touched rhythmic gymnastics, we found it very difficult! General physical training was led by honored coach Sergei Koptev, aerobics - Olga Teterkina (1998 world champion in Japan in combi dancing, paired with B. Bachkovsky, he is in a wheelchair).

All 14 days were working days, the schedule was strict, in each house there was a sign on the inside door with the daily routine, starting with getting up and morning exercises. There was a schedule for duty in the kitchen; there was no cook there, so we cooked our own food, divided into pairs, with the same partner with whom we danced. I must say, there was also a kind of competition here, each couple tried to cook the most delicious thing so that everyone would like it. And the eaters were very grateful! Intense training and fresh forest air work up an appetite. Three workouts a day is serious, and there were many people who wanted to do extra training after dinner. There was almost no time left for leisure, but there was always time for communication. By getting to know each other, we learned things about which we had previously had very little idea. Psychology classes were especially lively. Everyone liked it very much psychological game"Mafia". And finally, at the farewell party, we played the game “Love at First Sight.” It was a friendly and fun ride. And everyone, without exception, fell in love with dancing. There was so little time, but everyone tried very hard to learn as much as possible.

We have united in so-called international pairs with Ukrainian and Belarusian athletes. At the end of the course, a competition-exam was held, with the jury, as expected, and there were guests from the government of Belarus and representatives of the UN. The competition was held in the form of nominations, our nominations were “Miss and Mister Perfect Couple” and “Miss and Mister Charming”, and of course, diplomas and memorable gifts were awarded.

Our work, our ardent desire to dance did not go unnoticed and attracted the attention of Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists from the IP Foundation, headed by Nikolai Podrezan. (A separate story is about them and their work). We received an invitation to Kyiv to participate in a training camp, a seminar and a competition, which will be held in September this year. And in the last ten days of the year they promised to invite us again to Minsk for the Belarus Open Championship.

Waiting hard work, and our most important task is to promote and develop this beautiful and promising sport for the disabled. We have a lot of plans, and I want to believe that the time is not far off when we will have tens and hundreds of restless, searching and enterprising people in Ulyanovsk, like, for example, V. Kolomiets and our new friends in Belarus and Ukraine. Let's look up to the best.

The best way to learn ballroom dancing is to find one in your city dance studio and go to classes. Any books, videotapes or the Internet will not replace a live teacher. Sports dancing is not mathematics, which can be learned without a teacher. We see the result, what is happening, but often we cannot determine why or how this or that movement is performed.

25 rules for how to behave during training.

In every dance hall There are strict rules based on traditional etiquette and the concept of proper behavior. The spirit and character, the atmosphere of ballroom dancing should be perceived directly from the teachers. Respecting the teacher and the knowledge received from him, and sincerely following him is the duty of everyone who practices ballroom dancing.

When entering the room designated for classes, you must say hello to the teachers, without distracting them from the lesson, and when leaving the room, say goodbye.
It is the duty of every student to behave in such a way that a favorable and harmonious atmosphere of mutual respect reigns in the hall.
Only the teacher decides whether you will study in his group or not. Knowledge cannot be bought. The money you pay every month is used to pay for the rent of the hall. In addition, by paying this fee, you have the opportunity to at least somewhat thank the teacher for the knowledge acquired. It is everyone's duty to pay for the hall on time.
Every time you start dancing, you must bow, inviting your partner to dance. The same thing - starting to learn a new pattern.
Respect the shoes and clothing needed for exercise. Clothes must be clean and tidy. Shoes must be kept in order and in their designated place when not in use during training.
Never borrow clothes or shoes from anyone.
Shortly before the start of the training, after a short warm-up, you should stand in a row with the others, positioned according to your level, in a calm, focused state. This will help you clear your mind of extraneous worries and prepare for classes.
At the beginning and at the end of the lesson, an appropriate ceremony is performed. If you are late, try not to distract your comrades.
You cannot sit during classes. If your legs hurt, you can sit down only with the permission of the teacher; under no circumstances should you stretch your legs in front of you or sit with your elbows on a wall or column.
You are allowed to leave the parquet only in case of injury or poor health.
When a teacher shows or explains a movement or pattern during class, you should stand silently and listen carefully. After he has finished, bow first to him, then to your partner and start practicing.
As soon as the signal is given, you must immediately stop, bow to your partner and quickly take your place in line with the others.
Aimless walking on the parquet floor is strictly prohibited. Either you practice the movement, or - if necessary - wait for your turn, standing so as not to disturb others.
If you absolutely have to ask the teacher about something, never call out to him. Approach him and wait for him to address you.
When a teacher explains or shows something to you personally during class, pay close attention to the explanation. If you are interested in the explanations that the teacher gives to your friend, you can stop practicing the movement and watch. If the teacher reacts negatively, continue practicing the movement or pattern and don’t get distracted anymore.
Respect those who have been practicing longer than you. Never get into arguments about the technique you are learning.
Remember - you are here to study, and not to impose your own thoughts on others.
If you know a movement or technique being practiced in class but your partner is unfamiliar with it, you can show him how to do it correctly. But it is better to refrain from teaching and correcting - at least until you have reached an advanced level.
Conversations on the floor should be kept to a minimum.
Do not walk on the parquet either before or after class. Parquet for those who came to train.
The hall may not be used for any purpose other than regular classes without the personal permission of the teacher.
The floor should be swept daily before or after classes. Everyone is responsible for the cleanliness of the parquet floor, and everyone involved is obliged to participate in cleaning, thereby purifying their own mind and heart.
During classes in the gym - and on the floor in general - it is prohibited to eat, drink, smoke, or chew chewing gum.
If you wear jewelry, you must remove it during class.
Never drink alcohol until you have taken off your dancing shoes.

You can attend classes as a spectator at any time, but must adhere to the following rules:

The way you sit says something about your attitude. Don't allow yourself to sit slouched or with your feet up.
Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed during classes.
Do not call out to people on the floor or engage them in conversation.
Do not talk or walk around the hall when the teacher is showing or explaining something.

At first glance, it seems that all these subtleties are not easy to remember, but over time, in the process of training, their observance will become natural for you. If you are reprimanded for breaking a particular rule, do not view it as a personal insult. Remember: following each of these rules is critical to your successful learning.

Clothes for competitions and training.

Ballroom dancing is a contact sport!

Before heading out onto the floor, remove keys, key fobs and other items from your front pockets. Take off your watches, rings and bracelets! Watches and bracelets, especially those worn on the right hand, scratch the partner’s arms or shoulders and/or neck. There should be no extravagant belt fasteners! You need to check what you are going to wear. To determine whether an item is dangerous, run your hand sharply over it. Carefully check all the jewelry you are wearing. Make sure to check your rings, bracelets and belts for any sharp edges or even any places that could snag on your partner's clothing.

Long necklaces can also be dangerous, especially if you are performing fast spins. Long chains with heavy jewelry are also dangerous when spinning.

The same goes for long hair, such as a pony tail. Long hair tied in a braid is lethal to your partner when rotated! Try to carefully secure your hairstyle on your head so that it does not distract you during training, and especially during the competition.

Don't forget to check your nails for any imperfections that could damage your clothing - use a nail file.

Regardless of whether you are a partner or a partner, when choosing a piece of clothing for your top, it is very important that when you bend your arms, the garment does not create baggy or loose sleeves that could get tangled with your partner(s) taking your hand. In addition to being inconvenient, such items of clothing can also be dangerous as your partner will look to get around your item of clothing that is covering other dancers, which can lead to collisions.

You'll even have to sew up men's long shirt sleeve cuffs because your partner's hair might get caught in the buttons.

The waist and bra should also not have an excessive amount of fabric (thickness and area). You don't have to wear very tight-fitting clothing, but too much fabric can make it difficult to move your torso and cause unnecessary friction and tension.

It is necessary to avoid laces on the suit where your partner's hand could get caught in them, as well as similar cuts and cutouts on the dress.

Long skirts that unwind when rotated can also be a problem.

Those who constantly wear a vest and tie should take them off during training!

Be sure to wear a T-shirt - sweat stains look bad on your single-color shirt, but it's even better to wear multi-colored spotted shirts. A T-shirt or undershirt must be worn under a silk shirt.

What should partners wear for Latin American training (and not only).

Upper body: Partners must have quick and Free access to the back of the one they are dancing with. Therefore the sleeves should be cut high into the armpit and not have very loose fabric above the waistline. Sleeveless suits are optimal. It is very uncomfortable to hold your partner's bare back, slippery with sweat. The back, especially the shoulder blades, should be covered with fabric.

It is also preferable for the dress to be fastened with buttons rather than snaps because the seam between the buttons often allows contact with slippery skin or bra clasps. Items of clothing that reveal the midriff are undesirable for almost the same reasons as a bare back.

Outer clothing should cover those places where there is contact with the partner during the dance, and the bra should be such that it does not unfasten during the dance, for example, from contact with the hand. However, it is advisable not to wear it, since in any case it restricts your movements (especially in Latin).

On your feet: The shorts are not only attractive and comfortable, but are also especially suitable for Latin American workouts.

For learning the mechanics of dance, shorts are most optimal because they do not hide the hips, knees and waist.

Long skirts are great as long as they are loose enough to hang further back at the knees than the backs of the thighs. Long skirts can cause trouble if they fly high when spinning.

After shorts, the next most comfortable are short skirts just above the knees. But not narrow. Extremely short, tight skirts not only make it difficult to simply move your legs, but can also lead to unpleasant encounters.

Jewelry: Jewelry must be selected with extreme care. Before putting on a bracelet, watch, brooch, or ring, you should run your hand over it to ensure that it does not have any sharp edges that can cut or points that can catch in clothing.

Brooches, preferably smooth ones, should be placed high on the chest, where contact with your partner's clothing is least likely.

Necklaces should not be lower than the base of the bust (in the middle).

Belts: The best belts are those with buckles, covered with fabric, that don't cling to your partner's suit and don't come unfastened when your partner moves away from you, caught in the buckle. Belts with numerous decorations, especially metal ones, can be very dangerous.

Hair: Even if your hair is extremely fine and soft when it touches your partner's face, it is dangerous when it lashes through an open eye, or when tied in a braid or ponytail. If your hair could get caught in your partner's face when spinning, you need to secure it in a way that prevents this from happening.

Avoid hairstyles that require fixation with hairspray or gel. If you dance well, you will sweat a lot, which will lead to an unpleasant sensation on your head.

Hats: Leave your hat in the locker room.

What is a hobby class?

Most often both programs are danced together, dances - waltz, quickstep, cha-cha-cha, jive. It happens that programs are danced separately, then in brackets it is indicated (without T. and Ru) - without tango and rumba, or - (T. and Ru in the finale) - tango and rumba are danced only in the finale.

Movement restrictions are the same as for “E” class. Basically, a hobby is a preparatory class. When to stop performing as a hobby and start performing as an “E”, the teacher decides, usually after two or three successful competitions.

The official approach is that sports categories are now assigned to adults, for example, starting with “C” class (3rd sports category), “D” class is “beginning athletes”, “E” class is “beginning dancers”. That is, only from the “C” class does sports dancing begin, and before this class everything is a “hobby”. An unofficial approach - normal dances begin only with "B" class (historically, once in MAST, for example, for adults, competitions were held only with "B" class - that is, you practiced for six months - and you perform in "B"), starting with "B" "(in MAST) both programs are danced separately. And before that - “hobby”, dance as much as you want. In the IFST, last year the approach was similar - that is, they did not look at holding competitions “C” and below very carefully, “B” and above - they looked very strictly. This is due to the fact that at major competitions for juniors, youth, and adults, couples of “B” class and higher most often participate.

"Dance stroller", a special stroller for dancing

1. Everyone can dance in their own personal stroller

Stroller in good condition;
All unnecessary items have been removed (bags, knitting, etc.)
Wheels are well inflated
A special stroller for dancing - for one hour a week

2. In some cases, a special stroller may be used additionally

The personal stroller is heavy and difficult to maneuver;
If you can transfer to another stroller;
You need more than one hour a week for training (eg shows, balls, etc.).

3. Some conditions for the stroller

Requirements:

The stroller is safe and user-friendly;
The stroller is light and maneuverable;
The stroller has cast or well-inflated tires, small (cast) front wheels;
The footrest is as short as possible (distance to the standing partner and an active sitting position!).

4. Tools at hand

Props:

Replaceable wheels (for several purposes);
Removable rotating (front);
Rear support to prevent tipping backwards;
Removable hoops.

5. Important Notes:

An electric wheelchair can also be truly danceable!
The shape or design of a stroller cannot be a reason to deny a person the pleasure of dancing!

6. Information about strollers

Strollers can be divided into groups according to different criteria:

By method of transportation;
By placement and size of wheels;
According to the purpose for which the stroller is needed.

A. Method of transportation:

strollers that need to be pushed and controlled by a third person;
mechanical wheelchairs in which the user of the wheelchair moves using own strength;
by rotating the wheels;
by moving the stroller with your feet, steps;
through levers;
with a wheel - a “coffee grinder”;
with a small hoop attached to the user's hand;
electric or electronic strollers.

B. Wheel placement and size:

Large wheels at the rear, small (rotating) wheels at the front;
Large wheels in front, small ones rotating in the back;
Four wheels of the same size (a stroller that needs to be pushed).

For home
For the street
To restore health and sports.

All types of combinations a, b, c, are possible. A person moving independently in a stroller can also be carried by an accompanying person by the handles behind him, and there are strollers for indoors and outdoors at the same time.

The stroller consists of a main supporting frame (customized for the individual) and the choice can be made between different backrests, sides, headrests, footrests, different seats and even personal adaptations made to size if necessary.

Each patient may have his own custom-made wheelchair, depending on the nature and severity of the disability and also on the purpose and purpose of the wheelchair. During demonstrations (exhibitions), etc., everyone can see all the shapes and combinations of strollers and it is very useful to look at all the options.

WHEELCHAIR DANCING first appeared in the UK in the mid-1960s, and by the late 1970s, wheelchair dancing had spread throughout Europe. Currently, more than five thousand dancers from 40 countries (1,500 non-wheelchair partners and 4,000 wheelchair partners) participate in the dance sport, both at a professional and amateur level.

There are different types of wheelchair dancing classes:

1st Two partners dance in wheelchairs - duet dance (DUO DANCE)

2nd One person dancing in a stroller - single dance (SINGLE DANCE)

3rd A person in a wheelchair dances together with a non-disabled dancer - combined dance (COMBI DANCE)

4th Several partners dance in wheelchairs or together with partners not in wheelchairs - dance in an ensemble (GROUP DANCE)

Official competitions

The first official international wheelchair dancing competition took place in Sweden in 1997. The first world championship was held in Japan in 1998. In 1998, wheelchair dancing was included in the International Paralympic Games. In Russia, wheelchair dancing first appeared in 1997 in St. Petersburg. Wheelchair dancing is not only a sport. For many who practice wheelchair dancing, it becomes a way of life. Also, dancing in wheelchairs is an excellent means of rehabilitation, both psychological and physical. They are also used for wheelchair dancing.

Video

If you feel that you want to take up wheelchair dancing and there is such an opportunity. So don’t put off this idea, but go and try it. You can always leave if something doesn't suit you.

Seeing people in wheelchairs playing sports, dancing or just sitting in a cafe makes many of us feel awkward. Let's ask ourselves - why? People with disabilities - this is how people with disabilities are called in Russia. People with special needs are what they are called all over the world. And the point here is not in the physical condition of a person and not in the wording, but in a literal tracing of the attitude towards people with disabilities in our society.

In our society, people with special needs are limited in literally everything. We are not used to seeing them in ordinary life circumstances: neither on the street, nor in transport, nor at work or at school, not to mention the stage. We often build these barriers ourselves. To overcome them, people with disabilities begin to engage in sports and creativity or dance.

“Dance creates conditions for communication, since a person with a disability communicates with his partner through emotional and physical contact,” says Leonid Tarasov, director of the Spirituality Center for Sociocultural Animation. “Our students perform at concerts and competitions, which gives them a sense of responsibility to the audience and the ability to complete what they start.”

An incendiary rumba, a passionate tango or a bewitching waltz - everything is as usual dance school, except that some dancers use wheelchairs, and others, for example, cannot hear music without hearing aids. In the dance couple of Alexander Molokanov and Evgenia Vinokurova, Sasha moves in a wheelchair; he has cerebral palsy. The guys met three years ago - a short period of time for professional dancers. But during this time, this couple managed to become laureates and prize-winners of many competitions. What made them truly famous was their participation in the “Inclusive Dance” festival, which was first held in 2013.

For whom are such events more important? Probably for us. Because they demonstrate incredible strength spirit, determination and real results inclusive interaction. In Russia, where the term “exclusive” is often used by marketers to increase sales, “inclusivity” - inclusion, a unifying principle - is not widely heard. But thanks to our Paralympic team, our professional dancers with disabilities, you and I have the opportunity to look at the problems of disabled people with a new look. To see people with limited capabilities in our perception, but with the same needs as ours.

The festival organizers do not talk about any restrictions, they simply show us that everyone is equal in dance. And not only in dance. In life. In Russia there are dozens of organizations that are engaged in the creative rehabilitation of disabled people. They create books for visually impaired children, give drawing lessons to children with cerebral palsy, or organize a real theater for people with special needs. Those who help people with disabilities are united by the understanding that all people, regardless of health status, not only need support and shared leisure, but also, just like any of us, the most simple and important human values: the need for love, friendship, understanding, care, recognition, conquering the world and overcoming oneself.

“Talking about the willingness of society to give time and energy to help others, we can conclude that people are more likely to donate money for the treatment of seriously ill children and spread information about them than about a dance festival, which, in principle, is quite understandable,” continues Leonid Tarasov. “Of course, those who could die at any moment need help, but making the life of a person who lives and will live joyful, giving him the opportunity to express himself, is also important.”

You can find organizations that are involved in the rehabilitation of disabled people on the website ivsezaodnogo.ru - the first database of charitable foundations in Russia. If you want to support those who help people with special needs, take the time to go to the websites of these foundations and find out how you can help. After all, sometimes, in order to make people happier, it is enough to simply pay attention to them or support them in what they do with such talent and passion. Just like the organizers of the “Inclusive Dance” festival do.

Sergey Zaitsev