Physical therapy paid off for wheelchair-bound ballroom dancer

The benefits of the hours of physical therapy practiced by Nick Scott were on display in Southern New Jersey late last week when he and a dance partner gracefully performed the samba, flips and twirls, the Gloucester County Times reports.

Making the dance routine all the more impressive is the fact that the 29-year-old Scott is a paraplegic. A couple of years ago, Scott – who lost use of his legs after an accident at age 16 – met Aubree Marchione of American DanceWheels Foundation and was hooked on wheelchair ballroom dancing.

"To do wheelchair ballroom is like anything else," he told the publication. "If you want something, you have to achieve it."

Marchione and Scott's routine was on display at Disability Awareness Week events for Rowan University and students had the opportunity to try their hand at some of the routines that the two have perfected. Some went so far as to sit in a wheelchair to perform steps.

In addition to performing physical therapy, Scott also built up his capacities via body-building.

American DanceWheels works with individuals such as occupational therapists and physical therapists to train disabled individuals in the arts of wheelchair ballroom and Latin dancing. Those with physical therapy jobs often come up with creative ways for their patients to enjoy their necessary treatments.