Allied Services Hosted Adaptive Dance Event

Produced by The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education residents Jackson Carney, D.O., and Rayan Islam, D.O., the American DanceWheels “Rumba & Roll” adaptive dance event, held at the Allied Services Corporate Center on December 6, was a spectacular example of community collaboration and collective celebration in support of a meaningful cause. The all-inclusive, free dance event was open to all ability levels. 

Led by American DanceWheels Creative Director Aubree Marchione, the event began with the first of four adaptive dance lessons designed for both wheelchair-bound participants and their fully able-bodied dance partners. A professional-style wooden dance floor—graciously donated and installed by Scranton Rent-ALL—set the stage for the evening. Participants were introduced to rumba choreography, which was quickly brought to life as pairs danced together to a variety of melodic, rhythmic music.

After the basic steps were mastered, more intricate movements were gradually introduced until all four dance steps were learned and practiced together in sequence, with modified versions demonstrated to accommodate varying mobility levels; the final routine combined all steps, after which pairs were free to continue practicing and dancing. Dinner followed, featuring charcuterie, salads, soups, chicken parmesan with pasta, buttered rolls, and holiday cookies for dessert. Then Dr. Carney and Dr. Islam presented gifts to each attendee as a token of appreciation. The evening concluded with brief remarks from the residents, who thanked attendees, Allied Services staff for hosting the event, the sponsors for their support, and offered special recognition to Aubree Marchione for her dance instruction and dedication to adaptive physical activity.

Dr. Carney and Dr. Islam shared that plans are currently being discussed for potential recurring events focused on adaptive recreation of all kinds. They emphasized their hope to see expanded recreational opportunities for wheelchair-bound individuals throughout the surrounding communities.