Detroit dancers advise filmmakers on wheelchair ballroom
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In Detroit, Michigan, Cheryl Angelelli, co-founder of Dance Mobility, consulted filmmakers on their new movie Ballroom.
Laurence Walsh, the filmmaker, contacted Angelelli in 2022 to gain expertise in wheelchair ballroom dancing for the film’s production. Angelelli advised on details like dance chair selection and costume design, sharing videos of competitive wheelchair ballroom dancers to inform the choreography.
The movie tells the story of Violet, a dancer who becomes paraplegic after a car accident and rediscovers her passion through wheelchair ballroom dance. Madeline Delp, an actress who uses a wheelchair, stars as Violet and trained with Dance Mobility’s instructors, using a wheelchair loaned from the program. The filmmakers chose Delp for her lived experience, believing it would add authenticity to the role. Beyond Angelelli and Delp, other people with experience in adaptive dance contributed to the film.
Mia Schaikewitz, a star of Push Girls, inspired the script and plays an occupational therapist. Dmitry Chaplin, a professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars, plays Violet’s love interest. Ballroom is now available on streaming platforms across North America, and Walsh hopes the film will raise awareness of wheelchair ballroom dancing and inspire those facing challenges.
