Disabled Dancing

Alana Wallace is the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Illinois and the 2008 titleholder for Ms. Wheelchair America. In this except from a LoveToKnow Seniors interview, Wallace shares her passion for dance. To read the rest of the interview, visit the following website: Love to Know Seniors

When many people think of someone using a wheelchair, the last thing they expect is to see someone dancing in one. When did you start dancing?

Actually, I've always been in the arts, theatre and music specifically, but just like everyone else, I didn’t think I could be taken seriously in dance. So, for me, dance was a hard sell. I saw a professional integrated dance company about 12 years ago, and was amazed. This particular company had people in and out of wheelchairs, and actually incorporated the chair in the dance. It was the first time I realized that dance might be possible for me. My first attempt didn’t work – it was very center-based, using a lot of abdominal and back muscles, and because of spinal issues, I’m not flexible enough to do those movements. But that was just one technique. Another dancer told me that I should just move in the ways I could move, so that’s how I dance now.

Once you discovered you could dance, what kind of impact did that have on you?

I didn't start dancing until I was 45, so at that age, after living the majority of my life never thinking it was possible, something really clicked for me. It just took me somewhere else - with my knowledge, my spirit, confidence, body image, everything. It helped me finally accept my body. Growing up, I always covered my legs to hide the atrophy. But, when I started dancing, I had to put on tight-fitting unitards and I had to become more comfortable with my image. So many things came out of this for me.

How did your dance company, Dance Detour, get started?

I knocked on a lot of doors, asking people to dance with me! Fortunately, there are many people that understand what dance truly is and who can be involved, without limitations to the range of ability or how old you must be. For me, getting a message out through dance is sometimes more powerful than an hour-long speech. That lift out of the chair for me is the best demonstration of freedom and ability, especially to people who might think otherwise.

What does it mean to you to dance?

It's a freedom that I've never experienced. It's an acceptance of my own body. I've shown myself that I have capabilities that I didn't know were possible. If a small iota of this gets across to others about people with disabilities, especially through integrated dance, where every body is different and yet moving together…again, it’s an important message. It's a formula for what the real world should be.

How do you stay fit and active?

Well, just a few days ago, I hand-cycled for the first time! I had the great opportunity to meet Tammy Duckworthm an Army pilot and double-amputee who was injured in Iraq. We talked about the reality of people who use chairs not getting enough cardio exercise, and how hand-cycling is a great option. It might just be my new thing! And of course, dance rehearsal helps keeps me fit. I do crunches sometimes, and the resistance bands are very good. I also watch what I eat. I don't eat a lot of red meat, and everything else is in moderation. Mostly, it's just making a point to stay active, finding a new challenge to take on every day, and being willing to try a new thing. You're never too old to stop learning and trying. It keeps you feeling good.

But also remember - you don't have to go to an organized class if you want to dance! Why not check out your local hot-spots on a Saturday night? Or get down on the dance floor the next time you're at a wedding? Dancing is fun, exhilarating, and relaxing! Give it a try...