This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by Lisa Dean on 6/05/03.
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posted by Lisa Dean
My mother-in-law-to-be is in a wheel chair. What do you suggest we do instead of the traditional mother-groom dance? Got any ideas? Thanks. Your website is so helpful.
Lisa Dean
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posted by Jeff Allen
Hi Lisa,
Before you look for an alternative to the Mother/Son dance consider the following:
There are many handicapped men and woman that dance in wheelchairs regularly. My first exposure to wheelchair dancing was the middle to late 70's during what is affectionately known as the "Disco Era." I had one physically challenged friend who frequented one of several discos every Friday & Saturday night. He was actually able to "Pop a Wheely," and spin around. This always brought the crowd to their feet and by the way he had no shortage of dance partners or female companions. I always tell the men I teach to dance that there are 70 women waiting for 1 man who can dance well!
Anyway, I learned much from my friend about the capability of dancing in a wheelchair. Actually to draw a physical analogy ice dancing would be a good one because in a wheelchair like ice-skates the usage of sidesteps is extremely rare.
Many wheelchair bound people find out how easy and enjoyable this is they dance on a regular basis.
I'm going to give you your first lesson in Wheelchair Dancing Basics. You'll need to select either a Slow Ballad or Waltz. A slow ballad is written in 4/4 time or waltz in 3/4 time.
I will give you three basic steps that can be done of course by your mother-in-law-to-be and your future husband.
The first is the Stride & Glide: This is done by either one or two progressive steps in a forward or backward direction. It is done with a handshake hold either right-to-right or left-to-left in open facing position partner outside to the left or right (or both) which ever is more comfortable. When used with a Slow Ballad the step occurs on the 2nd & 4th beat of music and with a Waltz on only the
1st. When the groom is not moving he will close his free foot without weight to the supporting foot. This figure may rotate as much as a quarter of a turn before its repeat.
The second is the Rock & Roll: This figure uses the same timing as above and starts close together either right or left outside partner and is comprised as a rock apart from each other and a roll in together.
You can also lead your partner to a figure called Rope Spinning where you lead him/her, in the same rhythm, around you like a cowboy with their lasso. A hand change can be used if necessary.
During any of these figures you must use your free hand to keep the timing and the proportion of your movement with the coincidental wheel. It is important that your handholds are comfortable yet firm. Rather than the normal handshake grip, use an interlocking grip with the thumbs facing upwards. Some couples also interlock at the wrists for more security. The consistency of this dance hold and your timing will keep the linear movements accurate!
So there you have it with care and practice the dance can certainly go on. I bet the room will resound with cheers and applause.
Kind Regards,
Jeff Allen
The Complete Guide to Slow Dancing,video,
or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing, including Emergency Wedding Routine
Quickstart to Tango,Swing,& Social Dancing all to make your big day
a dream please visit:
http://www.quickstartbooks.com
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posted by Lisa Dean
Thank you for the suggstion but that isn't an option. She doesn't have the strength for that. Not to mention that she is the one who wants an alternative. Got any other ideas?!
Thankds,
Lisa
Lisa D. in Dallas
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posted by Jeff Allen
Hi Lisa,
OK I understand, naturally a form of dancing would always be my 1st choice and I wanted you to know about this option.
There is always a ROSE ceremony. Where a presentation of a ROSE is given by one or both parties to each other with the possible addition of a few kind words of love and gratitude. Best done if just the groom does this for his mother. This would be done immediatley after your dance with your Dad (or surrogate if this is the case).
Jeff Allen
The Complete Guide to Slow Dancing,video,
or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing, including Emergency Wedding Routine
Quickstart to Tango,Swing,& Social Dancing all to make your big day
a dream please visit:
http://www.quickstartbooks.com
Dance Alternatives
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