A first for ballroom dance at USU

For the first time in the history of Utah State University, a student in a wheelchair has joined the ballroom dance class. Not only does she participate in the classroom activities, but she also participates in competitions as well.

Brittany Cox is a sophomore majoring in social work at USU. Seventeen years ago she was in a car accident in Logan Canyon that left her paralyzed form the waist down.

“I have loved dancing since I was a little kid,” Cox said. “When my accident happened I didn’t think it was even possible to dance.”

But through the years she has found a way to keep doing what she loves.

“Over the years, as I got more involved in dancing, I realized they have wheelchair ballroom dance competitions, but they are either on the east or west coast. There is nothing in Utah,” Cox said.

She signed up for ballroom dance this semester to fulfill a PE credit. She and the rest of the ballroom class participated in a competition. Brittany and her partner, Garrett, won first place for waltz.

Anne Francis, the ballroom dance teacher said that it was a good learning experience for both herself and the students in the class.

“Dancing with Brittany helped the men develop better leading skills, because Brittany would not have been able to move around the floor without the men having tone in their arms. The skill of having tone in your arms seems simple enough but usually takes time to learn,” Francis said.

Not only did they learn technical aspects of dance, but also consideration and friendship.

“Brittany brought out everyone’s better self. Everyone in the class was helpful and considerate,” Francis said.

Everyone in the class admired Brittany’s courage and determination to do what she loves no matter what the circumstances.

“Having Brittany in class was a good experience. It reminded me that usually limitations are self-imposed by our way of thinking. Brittany showed that if we are willing to take risks and trust ourselves and others that we can accomplish or do anything,” Francis said.

Brittany said that her experience here at USU has been very satisfactory so far, not only in the class, but also on campus.

“I love the campus here. Especially with winter, I am really impressed with how the school keeps the campus plowed, whereas when I go into town, it’s not so easy to get around,” Cox said.

— roniastephen@gmail.com