Melbourne local Rocca knew she had found something good when she stumbled upon an international para-dancing competition in 2018.
“I went with a friend and I was absolutely surprised when I saw that one of the categories was wheelchair dancing,” Rocca explains. “I didn't even know that para-dancing was part of an international competition.”
“As a Latin person with a lot of passion for dance and music. I always wanted to dance, but I didn't know if it would be awkward or beautiful in a wheelchair.”
“I was amazed by the beauty, the artistic connection between the dancer and the wheelchair, and how they incorporated the wheelchair in their movements.”
From that moment on, Rocca was determined to create the first para-dance group in Victoria.
Rocca moved from Colombia to Australia to study a Masters in International and Public Law, but soon after arriving she was involved in a pedestrian accident. For a year and a half, Rocca was in hospital and was searching for something alternative to mainstream wheelchair sports.
“Usually, wheelchair sports are basketball, rugby or AFL but dancing provided an alternative. It's more relaxed and social. We started at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. Then the group grew fast so I went to Darebin City Council and they opened the doors [to us].”
The group that started as “three women full of hopes and passions” became known as Dance and Roll.
Soon afterwards came COVID lockdowns, and with that adaptation. Rocca, who admits that she’s not the tech-savviest person, started hosting the dance classes over Zoom and from there the number of fellow dancers grew. Dance and Roll soon had members tuning in from across the continent.
“It was our therapy as well,” Rocca says. “Apart from the dancing and the exercise, it was a way to keep connected. Especially because in Melbourne we had the longest lockdown in the world. It was amazing too; an amazing way to meet people.”
Flamenco, tango, and disco are just some of the dance styles the group have learnt from their guest instructors and choreographers. “It’s going to be very interesting this year because a lot of people want to learn burlesque.”
“The instructors don't have a background in teaching people with disabilities, but it's amazing how they adapt their styles according to our needs,” Rocca says. “Our group embraces people regardless of their age, gender or ability. We have members ranging from 20 years old to 70 years old.”
During the early days of Dance and Roll, Rocca started receiving support on Hireup. “The agency I was with wasn’t able to provide the carers that I needed,” Rocca says. “Since joining Hireup, I feel more empowered and in control because I’m the one who interviews and chooses support workers.”
Rocca also uses a Hireup Relationship Manager - Jane - to help with her account. “Jane is very supportive, she’s always listening, and checking in to see how I'm going with my support workers. She’s always there when I need her, and I feel that she understands what I need.”
When asking Rocca what she looks for when choosing her support workers, she says it’s all about communication. “Support workers come into your home, help you with your personal care or therapy support. It's a very close relationship and high values in terms of respect and confidentiality are needed.”
Dance and Roll now meet twice weekly, one session in-person and another online. If you’re interested in attending, you can learn more on their Facebook page.
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