American DanceWheels Foundation closes Pan Am Games

"One of the most memorable moments for me about performing at Nathan Philips Square was the reaction from the children,”

American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF), a non-profit organisation that uses ballroom and Latin dance to overcome the social barriers between people with and without impairments, performed at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.

ADF’s formation team, comprised of standing dance champions partnered with professional dancers who use wheelchairs, was highlighted at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of Toronto, Canada, and at the Rogers Centre for the internationally televised Pan Am Closing Ceremonies on 26 July.

“Our performance at the Closing Ceremonies marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” ADF dancer Ania Flatau said. “This opportunity was a chance to show what incredible things can be done when all communities unite.”

The opportunity to dance at the Pan American Games came about when ADF’s Artistic Director, Aubree Marchione, was hired as one of the choreographers. Arthur Murray Manhattan in New York City, USA and the YMCA in South Amboy, New Jersey, USA provided rehearsal space for the troupe a week prior to traveling to Toronto.

“Most of the dancers in my group did not know one another, but by the end of the performance, we felt like a family,” Marchione said. “What we experienced together was really wonderful, and I am lucky to have had such an enthusiastic team.”

On 20 July, ADF was welcomed by the US Consulate in Toronto during a reception at the renowned Cambria Gallery.

ADF first took the stage at Nathan Phillips Square and was named one of the top-three performances during PANAMANIA, the 35-day arts festival that accompanied Toronto 2015.

"One of the most memorable moments for me about performing at Nathan Philips Square was the reaction from the children,” ADF dancer Derrick Williamson said. “Children are often very curious about disability, but are prevented from asking questions. After our performances, several excited children came over to meet us. What was inspiring was that instead of learning to be scared of those with disabilities, they saw how we are similar and what we are capable of.”

During the Closing Ceremonies, the dancers performed a tantalising Tango alongside music artists Pitbull, Kanye West and Serena Ryder for an audience of more than 45,000 people.