‘Like swimming through the air’: my thrilling role in Giselle with the Royal Ballet’s wheelchair dancers

The author, who uses a wheelchair due to Friedreich's ataxia diagnosed at age 13, participated in a Royal Ballet workshop for wheelchair dancers led by Kate Stanforth. Previously, the author found physical exertion challenging and struggled to find a consistent dance practice, a sentiment reinforced by the progressive neuromuscular disease which affects coordination and mobility. The experience aimed to explore the possibility of dancing with the Royal Ballet's integrated program, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate in classical ballet. The author's personal journey highlights a lifelong desire to dance despite physical limitations, seeking an avenue to express movement and rhythm. This initiative by the Royal Ballet signifies a step towards greater inclusivity in professional dance, offering opportunities for dancers with diverse physical abilities to engage with classical repertoire.