Five people from American DanceWheels performed multiple dances and demonstrated wheelchair ballroom dancing at a program sponsored by the Ocean County Library July 12.  The program was held at Toms River High School South.  Nearly 80 people attended the program.

American DanceWheels is an artistic organization that trains individuals with disabilities, their able-bodied partners, ballroom dance teachers, and occupational and physical therapists the art of wheelchair ballroom dancing.

Ray Leight led the dance demonstrations.  He and his partner Melinda Kremer are the first and current United States Wheelchair Dancesport competition champions and have received national recognition for their innovative style, artistry and presentation.

The American DanceWheels representatives also led a mini-lesson for four wheelchair-bound people who came to view the program.

Wheelchair Dancesport has recently been recognized as an international Paralympic Sport by the International Paralympic Committee.  Tens of thousands of people compete in wheelchair ballroom dancing internationally.

Photos from the American Dancewheels program can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22036136@N07/sets/72157606201250578/