Strictly Wheels prepare for the UK Para Dance Sport National Championship 2018

Saturday 27^th October 2018 sees the UK Para Dance Sport National Championship at Harrow Arts Centre.

We took time out to speak to Strictly Wheels club members, about their preparation for the competition.

You’re about to compete in the UK Para Dance Sport National Championship; how do you feel about it?

Goz – This year is my busiest Championships! I am hoping to defend my Single Ladies National title; Lloyd and I are dancing in the Debutante Combi Class 1 again! We are concentrating on finessing the technique in our routines and creating more of a connection between us. This is also our first time dancing freestyle, I don’t want to mess that up. But we still have to cram in extra practice!

Lloyd – This will be our 3rd UK National Championships and our final time in the UK dancing in debutante class. We have danced internationally more this year and had great results in Holland! It would be fantastic to go out on a high this year with that UK National title once again.

Kay – I mostly feel excited about it, I’m really looking forward to a day of dancing – and not just competing, but also being able to watch (and learn from) the other dancers. I’m also a little bit nervous, I worry that I will forget what I am supposed to be doing and it will all go horribly wrong!

What results are you hoping for?

Goz – Within our partnership Lloyd is still the most emotionally expressive on and off the floor. However, I am the quietly competitive one, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to come first place! It would also be also be great to go out on a high as debutantes!  I have no expectations in Combi freestyle, I will be happy as long as we perform the routine the best that we can!

Lloyd – I have worked really hard this year personally on my footwork, technique and confidence on the floor! It would be great to win and as the competition grows I’m expecting a strong competitive field!  But, if we nail the detail, I am sure we can produce solid performances we can both be proud of! As for freestyle combi I am really excited to dance a different style, new routine and let our creativity and personality show!

Preparation

What kind of preparation goes into a competition?

Goz – A lot of practice and rehearsal, when it’s not possible for us to train together, we work individually on various things. I exercise to strengthen my core and work to stretch and strengthen my posture! Lloyd works on footwork and getting more movement in his hips! Haha!

Lloyd – Recently we have not been able to practice together, so I have focused on individual improvement. I have fallen in love with dance and started taking ‘standing classes’ to help with posture, hold and footwork. I also watch videos of our past competitions to analyse what we need to do to improve and how I can implement the standing technique I have learnt to wheelchair dance.  With freestyle I have been looking at costume and make up, which I have loved!

Kay – Extra practice! That includes scheduled practice sessions as well as practicing at home or where ever is possible really. There are some nice long corridors at work which are good for rehearsing arm movements. I have also just moved house and I have good floors and it’s not completely furnished yet, so I have enough empty space to get in a few spins around the kitchen!!

Wheelchair Dancing

How important is Wheelchair dance to you?

Goz – To be honest I never thought dance would be a part of my life. Over the years it has become very important to me, I have made strong friendships and connections with my partner, dance teachers, class members and other international competitors! I get to travel more internationally, it helps with my muscle memory, fitness and confidence. I am slowly learning to embrace the glitter, make up and dresses too! Most of all I love competing!

Kay – Dancing is my happiest bit of the week! I do lots of physical activity which is really important to me mentally and physically – swimming, handcycling, Pilates, weights – but dancing is extra special. It’s not just the dancing itself, it’s also being in an environment where being a wheelchair-user is positive and desirable – you couldn’t have wheelchair dance without wheelchair-users!

Lots of other activities are ‘adapted’ but it’s not the same, and I could be the only wheelchair-user there, so dancing is very different. My favourite dances are: combi chacha and duo tango. If life had been different (and if I had a bit more musically and grace) I would have been a dancer…

Would you recommend taking part in Wheelchair Dance?

Goz – Yes! I am constantly trying to persuade people to join the club, and experience the benefits of wheelchair dance! So, yes!

Kay – Oh my goodness yes! It’s so much fun, you learn new ways to move and use your wheelchair, and also how you can use the environment or other people (with their consent of course) to turn and move. The group element, especially our group dances, are fab too and definitely a bit anarchic sometimes. Being able to respond to and connect with music is very freeing, it’s a real escape from all the stresses and strains of daily life and especially as it in a wheelchair-positive environment.