RB Sunrise Rotarians learn wheelchair dancing

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club recently played host to a team of wheelchair dancers.

“We match able-bodied partners with wheelchair users, teaching them both to cha-cha, rumba and waltz,” explained club co-founder Beverly Weurding, adding “We’re big on ballroom and Latin dancing too. Because learning to dance alongside an able-body partner gives wheelchair users a sense of confidence and equality that is sometimes missing in their lives.”

“Wheelchair dancing increases muscle strength and helps those who are physically challenged to make friends and be socially active” observed club president Nasrin Barbee. By the end of the meeting, many of the morning Rotarians – ranging in age from quite youthful to advanced years – had participated in this unique springtime social.

“We’re now matching able-bodied volunteers up for our next round of classes” Weurding noted with a smile. “You should all join us in La Mesa, where all our classes are free.”

The 65 members of the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found sharing a sense of conviviality every Tuesday morning at 7 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings. There is a $15 fee charged to those staying for breakfast.

Information about wheelchair dancing and the free classes this organization offers can be found at http://www.wheelchairdancers.org/. For additional information about the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club, visit the club’s website at http://www.rbsunrise.org/

William Valencia, Certified Ballroom & Latin Wheelchair Instructor and Beverly Weurding, Wheelchair Dancer