First Dance

[mwelschbillig]

I was wondering what experiences any paras have had that have gotten married. I am a T6 Para and have found my special someone, she is not disabled and we are looking to marry late next year. Has anybody managed to have the first dance at their wedding ? How did you do it without looking stupid ?? Please share any info you have !

[Jeff]

I was concerned about that, too. We elected to have a fast dance as the first dance. I can pull that off reasonably well and no one even blinked.

[Cappy]

With my wife and I, I had her sit on my lap for the dance. Depending on the puffiness of the dress, it may pose a challenge. But everything is doable.

She just gathered it into a bunch and sat down. We had a blast.

As for looking inept. Heck, this is YOUR time. Who cares what you look like. Do what you want to do.

[Wise Young]

I have known many wonderful dancers who are spinal injured and have continued to dance. Although it is not exactly the same, I believe that wheelchair dancing is capable of as much grace and complexity, as well as unique movements, as any form of dancing.

http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/sci/update-dancing7-2.shtml

[jjs]

I had a friend who had his wife sit on his lap and then had a close nephew push around his manual chair so the man could have his hands around his new bride.

[KLD]

I know a number of wheelchair dancers, including Michele Caputo in San Diego who dances as part of an AB dance group. Here are a few links. You and your bride could practice some of these moves to really wow your guests at your wedding!

http://www.paralympic.org/sports/sections/dance/general.htm

http://www.idn.org.pl/sport/Wheelchair%20Dance%20Sport.htm

http://www.artslynx.org/heal/dance.htm#Physically

http://www.wheelchairnet.org/Living/recreate.html

http://64.225.78.242/departments/arts/stretch_the_dance.cfm

[wisconsinmom]

My son, a quadriplegic, was married June 23 to a wonderful woman whom he met when he was a rehab patient at the hospital where she was a therapist. When I heard them say they intended to include the "first dance" at their reception with the bride sitting in my son's lap, I was a little concerned that this could be awkward or too emotionally difficult for the onlookers. However, they were firm in their conviction to dance the entire first dance alone on the dance floor. It was wonderful!! My son, never before a "performer," maneuvered his power chair around the floor gracefully to the music. The bride's attendants helped her carefully arrange her dress as she sat down in his lap, facing her new husband and smiling. They quietly sang the lyrics to each other. There wasn't a dry eye in the reception room -- but the tears were of happiness and pride that the couple could demonstrate their love in this beautiful way. This was the high point of the reception!

[etexley]

I hope you have a WONDERFUL wedding.

Eric Texley

[mwelschbillig]

Thanks everyone for the input and the great links. I have decided to have a first dance and will get some videos for tips. Your right Cappy it is my wedding and i'll do what ever i like !

Marcel