A Whirlwind of Grace and Grit: My Experience at the World Para Dance Sport Championships in Genoa
As I stepped into the RDS Stadium in Genoa, Italy on Fri 23rd November for the World Para Dance Sport Championships, the air was thick with anticipation and the spirit of competition. An electric atmosphere, loud music and flashing lights called us to the spectator area! This event wasn't just a display of skill, virtuosity and athleticism; it was a celebration of the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be defined by limitations. Before this trip, I had never seen any Para Dance events, not even on TV. So to have been invited by my colleague from Propel Dance, Artistic Director Helen Mason to accompany her on a networking & talent scouting expedition - I was all in!
After a bumpy beginning - a cancelled flight and hastily rearranged travel plans - which featured flying into Nice in France and driving to Genoa (!!)…. The city of Genoa itself, with its rich history and vibrant culture, served as a perfect backdrop for an event that epitomizes resilience and elegance. We even found time to explore the city’s sights and delight in its culinary tastes - pistachio croissant and gelato anyone?!
So then, back to when we arrived. Dancers from all around the globe, each with their own unique stories, gathered under one roof, united by their passion for dance. The atmosphere was buzzing, filled with a collective sense of pride and excitement.
It was unreal being part of the audience for the range of competitions over the 3 days. Across classes, which basically means the lesser able dancers to the more able dancers, depending on their disability are classified in to groups - from solos to duos and also combi (which is one wheelchair dancer and one standing dancer) across a heap of dance forms and styles including ballroom, latin and freestyle, which was basically any style you like and we saw hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, novelty, comedy, themed dances and so much more. It was all so, so brilliant.
Photo from the Class 1 Combi Latin Final featuring couples from Mexico, Brazil, The
Philippines.
Images and videos on this blog post taken by me.
The performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. Literally mind-blowing. Each dancer brought their own flavour and style to the floor. What struck me the most was the sheer diversity of the participants – athletes of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, all supporting each other, all striving for that gold medal. One of the highlights for me was witnessing a visually impaired couple perform a number of latin routines. Their trust in each other and their intuitive understanding of movement and rhythm were profoundly moving. It was a poignant reminder that dance is a language that transcends physical sight. See the video below for what I mean.
This leads me on to comment that the World Para Dance Sport Championships is in a league of it when it come to inclusivity. It's not just about competition; it's about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. Watching these athletes, I was reminded of the power of dance to express, to connect, and to inspire. Yes competition isn’t for everyone, and there’s always a downside to competing but this type of competition didn’t really feel about the medals (of course the athletes probably felt different), for me, it was about celebrating what can be done in a wheelchair. Which, as it turns out is a whole methodology, philosophy, skill and technique to to master. Enter Propel Dance, who whilst we’re not ever going to be a competitive body, we exist to develop a professional outlet for UK-based (and hopefully soon international!) dance artists to be able to perform… what we can do is draw from the exceptional skill of Para Dance in all its glory and pioneer that by fusing it with contemporary dance, other dance forms and choreographic tools to elevate it and pioneer. We can especially learn about the tricks and power moves so effortlessly displayed at the World Champs…. Simply incredible feats of counter balance and strength.
As the event drew to a close, it was then time for Helen and I to leave. I felt a mix of emotions – awe, inspiration, and a deep sense of gratitude. Fully converted to being a Para Dance fangirl! A feeling of wow. And a renewed energy for the future of Para Dance in the UK - and most importantly - excitement for Propel Dance’s role in developing and advocating for that on the world stage.
As I left Genoa, I carried with me not just memories of spectacular performances, but lessons in resilience, determination, and joy. In a world that often focuses on limitations, this event was a beautiful reminder of the boundless potential that lies within each of us. It was an experience that will continue to affect my view of dance and what dance can be, in all its guises. An unforgettable experience and a privilege to celebrate the talent, courage, and the unifying potential of dance but it also leaves me thinking WE HAVE WORK TO DO IN THE U.K!
Watch this space.
To find out more about Propel Dance, go to the website here.
To chat to me about my experience in this field of dance and/or how I could support you, email: hello@amydaltonhardy.co.uk