dance and change the feet to the hands as of freedom that only dance can give is an
much as I can”. amazing sight and lifts all that are present.
France has Gilles Bataille and Handiline, the
But Bill has a dream… He would like to start UK has Bill McKechnie and we think it is
teaching Wheelchair dancing again . “I need essential for these wonderful teachers to
some space and a wheelchair to practice. continue their great work. So if you are in
Oh and yes! Some bodies as well! So please a wheelchair and you want to try something
get in touch.” And it is the measure of his really special go to www.wild-bill.co.uk or
passion that although he would prefer to email Bill info@wild-bill.co.uk or give him a
remain close to Leamington Spa he will call on 07725045533.
travel anywhere in the country. This fi ne
teacher and choreographer is also a poet “I have a portfolio which extends far and
and has had some interest from a publisher above wheelchair Line dancing, I believe in
to produce a video aimed at primary Schools, armchair dancing, dancing for people who
an exciting prospect. are obese, bed ridden, the elderly, my list is
almost endless.”
What about Line dancing since 1997? What
does Bill think of today’s scene? He says I ask him why he is so passionate about
thoughtfully: “My views are the same now helping people to dance and he says with
as they were back in 1997, it’s fantastic!” a laugh; “Listen, if I can put a smile on one
adding: “I still much prefer teaching all dancer’s face, that is enough for me.” And I
the old dances because I know in 10 years cant help but truly believe him.
time they will still be here, you cannot beat
Cowboy Strut, Cowgirl Twist or Walking
The Line cause they are Masterpieces.” A
sentiment shared by many.
Returning to his favourite subject,
wheelchair dancing, he tells me that a lot
of chair users actually think that dancing is
going to be boring “because most of it can
be. However incorporating hand movements
as well as manoeuvering the chair makes it
much more challenging and interesting.”
And it achieves so much. “There is a huge
social barrier between abled and disabled
that needs to be broken, I managed it once
and given time I will do it again.”
Linedancer Magazine wholly agrees with this
statement and we think that anyone should
be encouraged to dance. Seeing the faces
of people who never thought they would
be on a dance fl oor, let alone feel the kind
29
WHERE ARE THEY Oct 2 29/8/08, 10:57:22 am
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