From Adversity to Artistry: Wheelchair Dance Group Transforms Lives and Breaks Barriers

Niru Tripathi

Melbourne – In a story that exemplifies resilience and determination, Rocca Salcedo, a Colombian scholar who faced a life-altering spinal cord injury, has emerged as an inspiring figure within the dance community. Through her wheelchair dance group, Dance&Roll, Rocca is breaking down barriers and empowering individuals with mobility impairments to express themselves through the power of movement.

Rocca’s journey took an unexpected turn when a car accident in Brighton forever changed her life. Initially planning to return to Colombia after completing her master’s degree in International Law in Melbourne, she found herself hospitalized for a year.

Driven by her unwavering determination, Rocca founded Dance&Roll, the first para-dance club in Victoria. What began as a small group of three women with hopes and passions has blossomed into a community of over 25 members, all sharing a love for dance and music. Rocca was captivated by the artistic connection between dancers and wheelchairs, as they seamlessly incorporated the wheelchair into their movements.

Dance&Roll holds regular dance sessions: in-person at Darebin Art Centre and online every Monday, both providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals with mobility limitations to regain confidence and express themselves through dance. The group encourages its members to explore their abilities and embrace the joy of movement.

The impact of Dance&Roll extends far beyond the dance floor. Rocca’s dedication and commitment to empowering others through dance earned her the prestigious Victorian Disability Award in 2021, recognizing her remarkable contributions. Building on this success, Rocca’s vision includes expanding Dance&Roll’s reach to Darebin in 2020 for face to face classes; whereas interstate participants has attended classes via online, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds and countries.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Rocca’s resilience shone through. Adapting to the circumstances, she embraced technology and began hosting virtual dance classes over Zoom. The online format allowed Dance&Roll to connect with dancers across the continent, providing a lifeline of therapy, exercise, and connection during the longest lockdown in the world.

Through their performances, Dance&Roll aims to challenge societal perceptions of disability, showcasing the talents and abilities of people with mobility limitations. With a fusion of contemporary styles and elements of Latin, Flamenco and Zumba, their diverse range of performances captivates audiences and opens doors to a more inclusive society.

The impact of Dance&Roll on its members and the wider community is immeasurable. Tanya Pisk, an active participant from Sydney who has been in the Dance&Roll online classes for almost three years says,” the sessions as a source of physical improvement, positive emotions, and social connections that contribute to a sense of belonging and inclusion. The music accompanying the Zumba workouts holds a special place in the heart. Every Monday, she joins the sessions and eagerly engages in the exhilarating Zumba exercises. She strongly believes that these activities should be consistently available to everyone, as they contribute significantly to a sense of belonging and inclusion in society.

She expressed her deep appreciation for the group, emphasizing the incredible impact it has on her overall well-being.

Ellie Gay, from the rural town of Yea, also emphasizes the positive impacts on her physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. For Ellie, Dance&Roll became a lifeline, providing support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. She further says, ” The club’s non-biased approach and focus on individual freedom and expression enable participants to explore their possibilities in a safe and supportive environment.” African-style music holds a special place in Ellie’s heart, providing her with an energetic and attitude-filled dance style that gets her moving and grooving. Looking toward the future, Ellie envisions Dance&Roll continuing to grow and provide an outlet for individuals in wheelchairs to express themselves. With each instructor bringing a unique style and movement approach, participants can interpret and adapt the dance moves according to their range of movement. She firmly believes that anything is possible with Rocca and the Dance&Roll community.

Karen James, a resident of Melbourne, highlights the inclusive nature of Dance&Roll, breaking down societal barriers and allowing individuals to explore their possibilities in a safe and supportive environment. The inclusive nature of Dance&Roll has made her feel like part of a caring and compassionate family. She envisions Dance&Roll continuing to grow, providing more people in wheelchairs with an outlet for self-expression. ”Instructor brings a unique style and movement approach, participants can interpret and adapt the dance moves according to their range of movement, which I most like and enjoy” she says.

This heartwarming story of resilience, determination, and the power of dance serves as a reminder that disabilities do not define a person’s potential. Rocca and her dance group are living proof that through passion, creativity, and community support, individuals can overcome adversity and make a positive impact in the world.