Our Mission & Board of Directors
Fun Facts about ADF
Education
ADF developed the first accredited college course in Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin Dance in the United States.
Science
A 2012 scientific study by the Palo Alto VA deemed ADF's program physically and psychologically beneficial to participants over a period of just 6 weeks.
Art
ADF developed the first American Style Wheelchair Ballroom & Latin Dance Syllabus in the world.
Testimonials
"I really enjoy the challenge of doing something that has only ever been offered to the able-bodied population. ADF has provided me with a way to experience real ballroom dancing."
Diane Murphy, ADF Instructor & Performer
"I learned a lot about teamwork, built great friendships, and captured a better understanding about disabilities and adaptations. Your program will help me in my future career."
Allison Michaud, College Volunteer
"American DanceWheels beautifully exhibits with every performance the unlimited possibilities of dance expression and reaffirms that through imagination, creativity and a love for the art of dance, the human spirit can soar regardless of physical challenges."
Mary Previte, Member of the General Assembly
"I'm reacquainted with my body beyond the denseness of paralysis. Emotional and physical feelings and sensations are presenting itself with vigor and fire. I am dancing again!"
Fernanda Castelo, Participant in VA Program
Mission Statement
The mission of American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF) is to make a significant contribution to the lives of individuals with ambulatory disabilities by providing the social, rehabilitative, and competitive activity of Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin Dance to partnerships comprised of one seated and one standing dancer. This effort integrates people with and without disabilities to partake in a healthy, mainstream activity that creates the potential for a new generation of alliances and opportunities. The Foundation intends to meet this challenge by providing training to individuals with disabilities, able-bodied partners, dance teachers, and adaptive sports professionals and therapists. The ADF trademarked and validated wheelchair dance program was created based on the traditional able-bodied dance syllabus and adapted to accommodate one person using a wheelchair and one person standing. The ADF program can be accessed regardless of one's physical ability, age, or lifestyle.
Click here to read about the history of ADF.
Meet the Board of Directors & Staff
Stephanie Corp Maguire
President
Laurie Coffman
Treasurer
Melinda Kremer
Executive Director/Ex-Officio, Founder of ADF
Aubree Marchione
Artistic Director
Ralph Ferretti
Board Member
Renata Maslowski
Board Member
John Russo
Board Member
Karen Russo
Board Member
Brian Wells
Board Member