Is there any better day to celebrate National Ballroom Dance week than with a ballroom dance competition? Easy answer...no. The Lake Kennedy Senior Center in Cape Coral was the place to be on Thursday afternoon as the Special Populations dance group celebrated it's 12th anniversary.
Since 2012, USA Dance and Special Populations, a program for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, have teamed up and torn up the dance floor.
"We started our class with five people in a room, and it grew," said Special Pops dance coach and USA Dance member Carol Davis.
They've grown exponentially with dozens learning the ins and outs of ballroom dance.
The participants range in age from 25 years old to 70 and have a variety of disabilities.
"There may be some that they don't like to sit down and whatever," said Davis. "And it's like, 'we're going to dance.' Everybody's on their feet and they're ready to go!"
No doubt about it...these dancers were killing it. Davis says she sees the boost in self-esteem among the Special Pops group and the physical benefits they are gaining.
"Not only do they have fun," said Davis. "They also do gain a sense of balance. They have trust in the dance partner, and they follow directions."
The competition also featured special performances from USA Dance, ballroom dancers John and Penny DeFino, and a proclamation by Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. Of course, there were medals and endless smiles.
"It's just rewarding," said Davis. "Over and over and over again. Rewarding."