Testimonials

Feedback from Kutztown University's "Empowering Teachers to Empower Students" Conference - November 21, 2008

The closing event by American DanceWheels Foundation was really exciting. I had never seen ballroom or Latin dancing in real life and had never seen wheelchair dancing before. It was great to see how a traditional dance form can be changed to work with their individual needs. That was a great experience and a wonderful way to end the day.
Anonymous

I also enjoyed the ballroom dancing performance at the end. I was feeling a bit emotional at the very end of the performance because they have so much passion and drive for what they were doing. However at the end of the conference I felt very good about everything I had seen and learned throughout the day. Ballroom dancing was a perfect way to finish the conference.
KB

The session held by American DanceWheels was a phenomenal experience that has further opened my eyes to the abilities and talent that we should cherish, respond, honor and celebrate! Ray Leight and Melinda Kremer are fantastic Ballroom dancers that raise the awareness about nurturing the social opportunities for able-bodied and people who use wheelchairs. It gave me hope that if I should ever need a wheelchair, that I can still enjoy music, dancing and a fun and active social-life. This session also provided me with the basic tools to inform and further interact with friends and family that use wheelchairs.
JF

At the end of the day I was so impressed with the closing performance by the American DanceWheels Foundation. I had never seen anything like that in my life and it was an impressive ending to an enthralling day.
Anonymous

The final workshop I attended was the closing by the American DanceWheels Foundation. I was really touched by their performances and genuine dedication. I thought this was an amazing thing that these individuals accomplished and I felt honored that they shared their performance with us. I applaud them for their efforts and ability to dance like that. I know from experience that choreographing and putting steps to music is difficult. I can’t imagine what it would be like to do all that and more while seated in a wheelchair. I admire the dancers for their courage and dedication. After watching them I left the conference feeling so positive and willing to do anything to change the world.
MM

Dancing is something that has always been a part of my life. I never thought about those who were in a wheelchair. How do they get to express themselves through dance? I thought this workshop was extremely fun and touching. You could really see the enjoyment they all had… I think this is a great foundation… I think of my Aunt who was in a car accident some years back who now is in a wheelchair. I think of all those who are in a wheelchair and who have the potential to do the same thing…
Anonymous

Other Testimonials

I really enjoy the challenge of doing something that has only ever been offered to the able-bodied population. ADF has provided me with a way to "experience" REAL Ballroom dancing with a standing, able-bodied partner. Now it's my turn to feel what it's like to float around the dance floor performing an elegant waltz, just like I used to watch my mother and brother do in our living room to "The Chipmunk Song."
Diane Kirlin Murphy
ADF Dancer and Performer

"George and I wanted to learn to dance for social events and parties... We then stayed to learn more dances... People in wheelchairs may say, 'I can't dance', but in reality, yes they can! It opens new doors and begins new chapters for people through music."
George and Leona Gutherman
ADF Dancers

“I feel free when I dance... I love it. I just did it for fun when I started out, but now I am getting into competitive dancing.... life is not over just because you’re in a wheelchair.”
Duane Crockett
ADF Dancer

"ADF has changed my thinking in ways that I can't even describe but I know it has and I'm glad that it's happened... For me it's the smaller accomplishments. It's awesome, even if it's just nailing one turn, knowing that I can go home and practice and get it even better the next time.”
Laura Heim
ADF Dancer

“The group is integrated where it's not all people with disabilities. That's really a great thing and the integration is what I really like about ADF... I always liked dancing and enjoyed music. Most of the time I would go out on the dance floor, sit in one spot, and just move my body... I wanted to learn how to use my whole wheelchair to dance.”
Eric Laufenberg
ADF Dancer

“By doing partner dancing I’ve learned a lot about teamwork... dancing with a partner involves working and listening to another person as a team... Before getting involved the only exposure to anyone in a wheelchair I’d ever had was the people at my grandmother’s nursing home and that left me with a very warped view. By working and dancing with people my own age I built great friendships as I found out that we shared so much common ground. I learned what it’s like to have a disability, that it’s not always a bad thing.”
Allison Michaud
ADF Dancer

American DanceWheels won our hearts. Thank you Ken, Matt, and Morgan for sharing this special gift.
Mary Jane Fryer
Chairman, After-Glow Benefit,
Albany, New York

Thank you both so much for dancing at the KenCrest 100th Anniversary Gala, which I think was the culmination of the event. As I watched you, I thought: this is what the best dance always is, the combination of talent, technique, heart, and spirit.
Marcia Berner,
KenCrest services

It is through ongoing programs such as yours that enables us to provide positive experiences that promote the children's development and make their hospital stay more enjoyable. Your generosity helps to contribute to the effectiveness of our program.
Stacy Redelheim
Special Events Coordinator,
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The culminating program was not only a huge success but also highlighted the resident's abilities, and the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and fun to all of us. We at the Center will always remember your commitment, and generosity.
Santi F. Ceccotti,
The Mary Campbell Center

New Jersey Assembly Commendation,
February 22, 2004
Be It Known To All That The Undersigned Hereby Honors: American DanceWheels which beautifully exhibits with every performance the unlimited possibilities of dance expression; and reaffirms that through imagination, creativity and a love for the art of dance, the human spirit can soar regardless of physical challenges.
Mary T. Previte,
Member of the General Assembly

Please accept my thanks for meeting with my students, and providing an inspirational demonstration and lecture about your experience in dance. As you know, I wanted my students to understand that people with disabilities can do beautiful things by any standard. Your performance demonstrated this possibility more elegantly than words can ever tell.
Ralph P. Ferretti
Professor, University of Delaware

We got to talk to Ray quite a bit during the Colorado Star Ball weekend, and got to know him a little. Although I was impressed watching him dance with his partner, what really blew me away was when I saw him leading (former rhythm champion) Diane Gingerich, who was there judging, in a social rumba. There was no question that he was really leading, that the patterns were complex, that he controlled the rhythms, and that he was dancing - and dancing well!
Dave Watson
Access Dance Network

After watching you demonstrate and teach, the participants who took part were very enthusiastic. I have been getting very good feedback from all of them. You are both very informative and super people.
Francine Stein
President of the Southern Tier Chapter of USABDA

I've spent a lot of money through the years on recreational activities for my daughter, but this is definitely the best money I've ever spent.
Stephanie's father

After watching your performances over the last couple of years, my awareness of people using wheelchairs has changed. I was on vacation this past fall and asked a man in a wheelchair to dance at a club, which is something I never would have done before. This has resulted in a lasting friendship. Keep up the great work!
Pat Klein

Your graceful, energetic and lyrical dancing was a revelation to all of us. We are convinced that your audience of developmentally disabled people drew a great deal of inspiration and confidence from you and your original art form.
Edna Cohen
Penny Leibowitz
Liheyot Committee, Beth David Reform Congregation