In the late 1990s, a small but passionate group began something extraordinary—wheelchair dance. What started as a weekly dance class grew into a community-driven, dynamic program that not only brought joy and inclusivity to students but also sparked creativity through dance, costumes, and props. Today, that humble beginning has blossomed into a vibrant tradition that continues to bring people together through the arts.
The story of the wheelchair dance group began with a simple idea: offer a dance class for students in wheelchairs. At first, the group was small, with the same students and staff participating in the weekly class. The goal was simple—to create an environment where students with varying abilities could participate in a fun, collaborative, and creative activity. Over time, the group expanded, with new students joining in and others helping out by pushing their classmates in wheelchairs.
As the group learned the choreography for their first song, something magical happened. The students began to contribute their own ideas to the dance steps. This collaboration not only made the dances more meaningful but also empowered the students to feel a sense of ownership in the process. One of the earliest and most beloved dances, *Grand Ole Flag*, continues to be performed today, a testament to the lasting impact of the group's creative beginnings.
In 2002, Brenda Corley, the visionary founder of the wheelchair dance group, took a big step forward by writing a grant to support the dance team. This funding allowed for the purchase of essential items like props, costumes, and accessories, including scarves, hats, canes, and hula hoops. These props not only added flair to the performances but also allowed students to express their creativity and individuality on stage.
The introduction of costumes and props opened up a new realm of possibilities for the group. Each performance became a colorful, lively display of talent, imagination, and teamwork. Over the years, the group continued to build upon these early foundations, incorporating even more creative and dynamic props, which enhanced each performance.
When Brenda Corley retired, the baton was passed to Shanda Warren, who continued the work that Brenda had started, with an emphasis on fostering creativity, inclusivity, and community involvement. Instead of meeting every week, practices are scheduled multiple times a week, for several weeks, in preparation for key performance events. These practice sessions are intense and focused, bringing together students and "pushers" (staff members or volunteers) to perfect their routines.
One of the remarkable aspects of the wheelchair dance group's process is its adaptability. Choreography is often tailored to meet the unique needs of the students participating in each performance, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to shine in their own way. Whether it’s refining dance steps, modifying movements, or working with props, the focus is always on creating a performance that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.
Over the years, the wheelchair dance group has performed at a variety of events, showcasing not just their talent, but their dedication to the fine arts. Their performances have been featured at Christmas events, fall festivals, summer productions, graduation parties, and many more community gatherings. These events have provided an invaluable platform for students to share their hard work and talents with the broader community.
One of the group’s most recent performances took place at the *Mistletoe and Magic* event at the Brookshire Conference Center. Here, students had the chance to perform two songs while community members shopped and stopped by to watch. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the dancers to showcase the fruits of their practice and to highlight the importance of inclusion in the arts. It was a heartwarming experience, both for the performers and for the audience, who were able to witness firsthand the dedication, creativity, and joy that the wheelchair dance group brings to each performance.
