Beverly Weurding, who was diagnosed 17 years ago with muscular dystrophy and relies on a wheelchair for mobility, had a desire to dance again. Beverly succeeded in establishing a successful ballroom and Latin wheelchair dancing program that has touched the lives of the physically challenged in San Diego and other parts of the Country.

Wheelchair dancing is a popular social and recreational activity. Wheelchair dancers participate in combi-style dancing with an able-bodied partner or duo dance with two wheelchairs. Standard dances include the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot. Latin-American dances include the salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and jive.

The physical benefits of wheelchair dancing assist with the maintenance of physical balance, flexibility, range of motion, coordination, and it enhances respiratory control. The psychological effects of ballroom dancing is social interaction and the development of relationships.  .

For the dancers, it is an opportunity to engage in a fun and a friendly event with others. It assists in the development of physical dexterity and communication skills. Wheelchair dancing is an activity that integrates the wheelchair user and an able-bodied person.   

Wheelchair Dancers Organization is a non-profit organization 501(c)3 in which children and adults in wheelchairs are taught wheelchair dancing with an able bodied partner.

WDO is the very first organization to offer wheelchair dancing in Southern California. Classes are taught by a professionally certified dance instructor, Joe Torres, owner of Angel Dance Studio. WDO promotes the growth and development of wheelchair dancing in San Diego which provides disabled young people and adults the opportunity to learn the Fox Trot, Salsa, Rumba and Cha-Cha dances with an able-bodied partner.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital Foundation believed in their vision so much that they provided funds which allowed all wheelchair dance classes to be offered free of charge, for volunteers and wheelchair users.

Wheelchair dancing crosses the boundaries of age, gender, and physical ability and includes individuals using manual and power chairs with varying levels of ability. According to Dizabled.com, approximately 25 million people in the world have mobility problems, and about 500,000 of these people use wheelchairs that can be custom-designed for sports, dancing or individual lifestyles. 
This gives wheelchair users the opportunity to experience dance, which would otherwise be denied. It also emphasizes to the public a positive, approachable image of the person INSIDE the chair.


                       
   
OUR MISSION

The Mission of the Wheelchair Dancers Organization is to bring ballroom, Latin, and contemporary dance to the wheelchair community, empowering  and benefitting the bod, mind, and spirit of all.

This is accomplished by providing wheelchair dancing programs, organizing classes, performances and training camps serving children and adults with disabilities. Providing recreational and performance level dancing to wheelchair and able bodied dancers. This emphasizes to the public the healthful aspects of wheelchair ballroom dancing: it’s physical, mental and emotional benefits.

All that WDO does will be for the purpose of providing opportunity for the sport of dance for those who would otherwise be denied, were it not for the wheelchair adaptation.

Financial support is necessary in order to train disabled individuals, able-bodied partners, dance teachers, and adaptive sports professionals. In addition to training of individuals and teachers, the organization also requires funding for performance and competitive venues which is of utmost importance in heightening visibility and credence within traditional society.

You can donate by making out a check or money order to
Wheelchair Dancers Organization and mailing it to:

                                           Wheelchair Dancers Organization
                                                        4584 Calle De Vida
                                               San Diego, California 92124

                                      or go to our Donate page for more info.
           Wheelchair Dancers Organization is a non-profit organization 501(c)3