Every day, as the direct marketing director for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Cold Spring, Tracey Burgoon works on behalf of ill and injured veterans, raising both awareness and funds to support the organization’s effort. She also works to help a group of young women who, despite being wheelchair-bound, have a desire to dance.
Last week, Burgoon, who owns and operates Revere Dance Studio in Saylor Park, Ohio, saw her team of wheelchair-bound dancers, Wonders On Wheels (WOW), catch the eye of, essentially, the world.
Tracey Burgoon
At last count, a video of WOW’s performance at a local dance competition had amassed more than five million views.
“I’ve been teaching the class for almost nine years, and I can’t believe the support and love that we’re receiving from around the world,” says Burgoon who has had to utilize the translation tab on her Facebook account in order to say “thank you” to the global praise that’s pouring in for the team.
Dancing to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” the four-minute routine was choreographed in honor of a beloved teammate who passed away unexpectedly in the fall. Dancers on the WOW team range in age from six-years-old to 27. Burgoon has taught the class for four years.
“I’m glad that everyone has the opportunity to see what I see during rehearsals and performances,” says Burgoon.
Jill Schmiade
Jill Schmiade, 27, of Independence, is among the dancers. She is a library assistant at Twenhofel Middle School.The popularity of the video is exciting for her, but stirs feelings of sadness as well as she remembers her teammate.
“The way that I feel about people watching this is exciting but sad because I wish Katie was here to experience it,” says Schmiade.
Schmiade, who has taken dance classes for 22 years, knew from an early age that she wanted to dance. And she wasn’t going to let a wheelchair hold her back.
“My favorite part about performing in front of an audience is letting people see that people in wheelchairs can do anything they put their mind to,” says Schmiade. “The thing I love most about dance would be that I get to feel normal for once because I am around others who are in wheelchairs. We all enjoy it so much and love showing that dance and be done with not just your feet but with your hands.”
The dance is choreographed to include ‘shadows,’ young women whose role is help the WOW team maneuver across the dance floor. The combination of talent, and passion for dance, from all involved makes for a moving performance.
“I am truly blessed that I have been given the opportunity to work with so many children, all with their own abilities,” says Burgoon.
