Dancing Is For Everyone
Back
PBF’s Jane Hutch took up dancing only 12 weeks ago. Having never done ballroom dancing before, or even imagined herself doing it, Jane found the sport to be a delightful surprise.
Para Dance is defined by Ballroom Fit as “an elegant, graceful and stylish sport which involves athletes with a physical impairment that affects the lower limbs dancing in a wheelchair. Para Dancers are partnered with an experienced dancer.”
In general Jane practices once a week. Recently she participated in a para ballroom demonstration in Western Australia along with 32 dancers. This was quite an achievement as at the beginning of the year they only had 3 dancers. You can see her in action here www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1HfQTqCnGs
The benefits of dance to a person with a spinal cord injury are enormous. Physically there is the maintenance of balance, flexibility, range of motion, coordination and improved respiratory control. However it is often the psychological effects that have the greater impact, such as social interaction, the development of relationships, and an opportunity to engage in a fun and friendly event.
Jane has currently been practicing twice a week, learning new routines with the goal of competing in the upcoming championships in Melbourne from 7-9 December.
A happy go lucky sort of person, Jane enjoys having a sense of purpose in the world.
Para Dance is a Paralympic Sport. Competitions are held around the world and from 2019 Para Dance competitions will commence in Perth. Jane credits her instructor, Darryl Davenport, with giving her a love for the sport. You never know, one day you may even see her at the Paralympics.
“Dancing gives me a natural high and makes me feel elated.” Jane Hutch
For more information on Para Dancing visit www.ballroomfit.com.au
Follow us on Facebook for more
Latest News

PBF injury prevention programs
Everyday someone in Australia suffers a spinal cord injury While most Australians understand the importance of safety in the workplace, on the road and the water, very few people ....

The value of meaningful employment opportunities
Our own team members, who are themselves living as paraplegic or quadriplegic members of the community, are well positioned to comment on the positive impact of employment after ....

Michelina’s Story
On Boxing Day 1989, Michelina had recently finished her HSC and her family planned to drive to Adelaide for a 21st birthday party on New Year’s Eve They never made it past ....

Greg’s Story
“Work hard and enjoy life but make sure you’re getting enough sleep” Greg grew up on a farm, learning from an early age that work was hard and hours were long This mentality ....

Karen’s Story
“I saw all the warning signs, but thought nothing would happen to me” Karen is a paraplegic, at the age of 22 she was involved in a car crash in a vehicle driven by her ....

Matthew’s Story
In 2016, 22-year-old Matthew was working has a radiochemist in Sydney, having recently graduated University with a physics and mathematics degree One day, after lunch, Matthew was ....

Workplace Safety Digital Presentations
PBF Australia has developed a wide range of injury prevention programs that aim to reduce the incidence of serious injury at work, on the road and at play Our workplace safety ....

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Symon Still
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Symon Still a much-loved and valued member of the PBF team; he passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 9th January ....

PBF Corporate Membership
The health, safety, and wellbeing of employees should be a priority for all businesses and organisations No one is immune from spinal cord injuries and they are not restricted to ....

PBF’s 2022 New Year’s resolution
PBF’s 2022 New Year’s resolution To reduce the incidence and impact of spinal cord injury in Australia Each year, PBF continues to make effort towards this goal ....