Strictly Come Dancing

Dancepro

Most people are not against wheelchair users being in dance competitions 
But they should compete against other wheelchair users.
Like in other sports events ...........Olympics and Paralympics

Cher_Alumni

Hello @Dancepro and a warm welcome to our community, how are you doing?

I'm sorry your post didn't initially get a response. I agree that wheelchair users should have equity and be able to enter dance competitions however, I'd have concerns about venturing down a path of segregation.

To illustrate this, I'd point to Kate Stanforth, a dancer who was recently on the Last Leg TV show. She's an ambulatory wheelchair user meaning her condition fluctuates and she has limited mobility in her legs. In this Guardian article, she describes her experience on the programme and explains receiving backlash from some viewers who presumed because she was a wheelchair user she should have no bodily movement at all. Awareness, and the raising of awareness, about how wheelchair users vary - just as non wheelchair users do too - would be boosted by the group's inclusion on the main Strictly show.

I understand it would mean a departure from the tradition of non-disabled contestant judging, however that shouldn't detract from the talent, choreography nor energy expended by wheelchair using contestants. Inclusion requires us to rethink the barriers that have historically dis-abled people and this could help make some headway. 

Have you got any particular concerns about a more diverse line up? And also, are you a dancer?

Look forward to speaking some more. Have a lovely Thursday afternoon.