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. Left to right: Dr. Rayan Islam & Dr. Jackson Carney 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. Creative Director Aubree Marchione (in green)
Allied Hosting Adaptive Dance Event and Seasonal Community Celebration The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Residents, Jackson Carney, D.O., and Rayan Islam, D.O., were inspired to create the “Rumba & Roll” event after realizing the lack of adaptive dance services in their area. The Residency program, created in 2022 in partnership with Northeast Rehab and Allied Services Integrated Health System, now includes twenty-four Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residents in two nationally recognized rehabilitation hospitals in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Twp. Both residents were recently certified in adaptive dance by American DanceWheels, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that teaches adaptive ballroom and Latin dancing to people with and without disabilities. The certification was an intensive 3-day training course focusing on safety, musicality, movements, and technique. Aubree Marchione, Creative Director, led the certification classes. The medical residents saw an opportunity to bring back what they learned from their courses, and share it with Scranton area wheelchair users. They believe the physicality, innate connection, and fun that dancing provides is an area of disability care that is often skimmed over, and not taken seriously in the care community. The doctors believe the adaptive community has much more potential, and much more to give. The event being held on December 6th at the Allied Services Corporate Center is the culmination of all of that belief and passion. It is run entirely by the medical residents, with help from Allied Services staff, including therapists. There will be an all-inclusive adaptive dance lesson, finger foods and drinks, dancing on a real dance floor, and an opportunity to connect with others for a fun, seasonal outing celebration.
