I had a WONDERFUL time in London with Monica and Brian. I got to do what I love-teaching dancing-and I got to do the choreography for the foxtrots that will be on Week Two of Dancing On Wheels.
Paul, James, Harry are wheechair dance contestants on the new BBC show, Dancing On Wheels, which will air starting January 10, 2010. (best case scenario) My friend, Monica, took this picture outside the studio where the very first episode of this wheelchair dancing series was filmed on June 23. Brian Fortuna is the choreographer, teacher and creative force behind the scenes.
I am impressed with the chance that the production company has taken. This is the first show of it's kind, featuring people with disabilities in a six week series. They took a chance with the subject and they took a chance with Brian. Brian was instrumental in selecting the wheelchair dancers, the celebrities, the costumes, the music, the dance assignments, the judges, the assistants and more. He is learning a lot, but he is sharing even more.
I know the production company has to be feeling positive about every aspect of this show. My opinion is they are making the right decisions. I did read a lot of dissenting remarks when the BBC announced this show. People seemed to be concerned that the people with disabilities would be exploited. This show will be a positive force opening the narrow minds of the general public.
This week I had a concern that people in our area don't know what we do at Universal. We do creative, innovative, worthy things with dancing. We teach people who may not be born with tremendous dance potential and we teach them to excel at an activity that everyone can and should enjoy. And, remember, we give beginners a GREAT start.
