Thread: Student in a wheelchair

I have a one-off 'fun' style session with a bunch a ladies, and one of them is in a wheelchair (Emma). Initially the organiser had assumed that Emma would not be able to take part, but I have asked that they bring veils and that Emma is supplied with one for the arm work.

I have all sorts of ideas about what to do, but wanted to get your great bhuz ideas too. The main thing is that most of these ladies won't have danced before, and I will only see them this one time. They also want it to be fun.

Please give me all your upper body ideas!

Caroline.

I would do the basic moves for upper body, like shoulder shimmies and snake arms. What about basics in zill playing? I'm sure they'd love that!

I can't remember the last time I picked up a pair of zills & don't have any to lend to the class. But thank you for the suggestion - defo snake arms and shoulder shimmies.

Veil work sounds like a good plan, although a normal depth veil might be hard for her to weild in a seated position. Something the width of a sari scarf might work better.

Depending on mobility, you could do chest slides/circles/drops and camels (<pethatealert> since the pelvis should be out of the camel anyway </pethatealert>). Some pretty handwork would probably go down well - everyone likes and is fascinated by The Lotus even though it's from Indian dance move rather than a bellydance move.

Hello ! <waves!> The lotus? is that wrists together move the hands around sort of thing - I'm not sure I know that well enough to teach it :-(

I had not thought about a full veil length being an issue, so thanks for that.

I was thinking about doing the 'pretend your hand is a falling leaf, hand circles'.

:-)

Hi Caroline - I've done a lot of classes with ladies in wheelchairs, the thing I noticed most was how much their abilities varied - I wouldn't leave out hip movements if your lady can manage them, and butt clenches - if they are possible, are a good way to built muscle and are really effective.
I find that people with disabilities generaly know their limitations and constantly challenge them!! and only need a very little tweaking of technique to achieve loads.
If you wind up doing this regularily - you could emphasis things other s often don't bother too much with - like a real understanding of the rhythms - you wouldn't need to be moving on legs to be a great dancer, showing a understanding of the form -
(in case you didn't notice - one of my hobbyhorses - it doesn't matter how limited you are this dance offers a great deal!!)

Most of my ladies had learning difficulties as well - so there were further limitations, but I still find that people can progress AND be aware of it which is great for self esteem.

BTW talk to Laura -Sarasvati - for Indian and balinese etc hand movements !!

ribcage circles, ribcage figure 8s (taskim style), bellyrolls, pharaonic arms/arm combinations, poi, fan-veils, veil poses e.g. sphynx...

I personally wouldn't choose veil work I'd focus on rib cage isolations - circles, 8's, Ferris Wheel, etc. Also head slides.

For arms, don't limit your thinking to snake arms. Watch some old clips of Tahia Carioca, where she swoops her arms upward, crosses her wrists, and brings them back down to hip level. Or, watch some old clips of Samia Gamal where she brings her hands in and crosses her wrists over her heart, as if embracing the energy given to her by the audience. Of course, there are also hand ripples as another option. Or, put hands above head and stroke the ceiling, leading with the wrists. And so on.

You can lead the rest of the class in a drill doing something like hip figure 8's and then add the different arm variations with the figure 8's. This will allow the student in the wheelchair to participate in the arm portion.

You might want to get the DVD Chair Bellydance for further ideas.

And head and face work! Cobra hoods, head slides, the vamp (shoulder roll with 'the look') and the upper lip shimmy if you can manage it-very Persian!

If she can do the glute contractions, you could build up her speed over time and she could shimmy!

Don't forget finger cymbals.

Originally Posted by *Shira*

You might want to get the DVD Chair Bellydance for further ideas.

I found this one at our local library just last week!
Great reference dvd - especially as we're doing an impromptu show for a senior's group tomorrow evening. I'm planning to include a 10 minute mini lesson part way through the show... with variations for standing and sitting. That way everyone can participate!

I know my teacher had a student once with no arms or legs and she taught her some sword work with chest moves. This probabley won't help tho since it is a one off class.

Zeina up in Washington state did a whole performance where she sat in a chair and did mostly arm work. It was so mesmerizing!

Maybe have them play with small scarves in each hand. Vogue arms are always fun too.

OK, late to the game here BUT have you considered a little khaleegy? The reason I suggest it is that at an event the other night, I watched a guy in a wheelchair dancing socially, and noticed that he was able to create a pulse through his body using the controls on his wheelchair (starting it forward and braking it quickly, repetitively, I guess). It would be just a small step from there to gentle side to side upper body movements with suitable arms (the wheelchair user would probably just use the one arm).

I really *got* that people in wheelchairs can dance watching that guy.

having been in a wheel chair, I think this is great that she is in the class. Abilities would totally vary tho, so have some good ideas in mind for all parts and edit on an as needed basis!