Feet lightly touched the floor, moving in time to a waltz. Officials took notes on clipboards as they scrutinized those on the dance floor, and dresses swayed as dancers changed direction.
The dancers, many wearing heels and glittery outfits, competed in Indiana’s second annual Special Olympics ballroom dance competition. Sunday’s competition at the Grand Wayne Center was part of the two-day USA Dance Fort Wayne Dancesport Championships.
Although the national Special Olympics has yet to add ballroom dancing as a sport, it was added as an official Special Olympics Indiana sport after a pilot competition last year, said Easter Seals Arc President Steve Hinkle. Ballroom dancing is expected to be added to other Special Olympics games in the future, he said.
The competition was preceded by opening ceremonies. Fifteen teenagers from Fort Wayne Dancesport performed a “celebration of dance” in honor of the Special Olympics athletes, and oaths were administered to the competitors and judges. As competitors were announced, they walked onto the dance floor while family members in the audience waved.
Hank Labrosse and his wife, Jeanne Lubomirski, sat in the audience, craning their necks for a glimpse of their daughter, Victoria Labrosse, 19. Lubomirski said Victoria Labrosse has competed in events such as bowling, but this is her first year in ballroom dancing. Victoria Labrosse, who has Down syndrome, appeared cool and collected. She enjoys music and performing in front of an audience, so it made sense for her to compete in ballroom dancing, her parents said.
Hank Labrosse said he enjoys seeing how the dancers, while competitive, still cheer one another on. He added that he’s amazed at the number of volunteers who come out to partner with the Special Olympics athletes.
Wearing a black dress with bright stripes, Labrosse waited on the competition’s sidelines with her partner, Terry Rigby. Labrosse was more reserved, but Rigby’s other partner, Janis Wuthrich, proved an outgoing counterweight. After a short social dance with Rigby, Wuthrich excitedly returned to her seat.
“Did you see me dance?” she asked.
Rigby said he joined in March, but the group had been practicing the waltz, foxtrot and cha-cha every Wednesday night for about the last six months. He said Labrosse was a little tougher to get to know, but they warmed up to each other.
After Labrosse’s first dance, her parents said they thought she put on a good performance. But there was also another, simpler aspect of her performance Hank Labrosse enjoyed.
“It’s nice to see her so happy,” he said.
Results from the competition will be posted at www.O2CM.com.
Easter Seals Arc, along with Special Olympics Indiana and Fort Wayne Dancesport, coordinated the event. Easter Seals Arc provides medical, employment and other assistance for people who have disabilities.
