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Wheelchair dancer returns to class after paralysis

BBC Ms Booth is on the front row of a group of tap dancers who are practising in a dance studio. BBC
Claire Booth says the dance school is "where I belong"

A dancer who suffered life changing injuries and lost the use of both her legs has said rejoining her childhood dance school was like "coming home".

Claire Booth, 38, first joined Alyson Livesey's Academy of Dance in Manchester when she was four years old and was there for 14 years.

But her dreams of being a professional dancer were shattered when in her 20s she was hit by a drunk driver and now has to use a wheelchair.

After seeing an advert for a new adult tap dance class at her former school she decided to "give it a go" and said it had brought out the "cheeky, silly side" she had as a child.

Claire Booth is in a dance studio with other dancers in the background. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a black t-shirt and black gloves with a wooden board on her knee
Ms Booth said she hoped she could inspire other wheelchair users to join a class

"Dance was the last thing on my mind," she said.

"I had generalised anxiety disorder, I've got mental health issues and I've got a lot of things that makes me want to stay home and not do things outside."

Ms Booth was reunited with her childhood dance teacher Alyson Livesey who has since adapted the classes so she can take part.

She moves with the rest of her class and taps with her hands using tap gloves and a board.

Claire Booth Claire Booth is pictured as a child in a dance studio wearing a green jumper next to Alyson Livesey who is has shoulder length hair and is wearing a cream cardigan and green top and a gold necklace.Claire Booth
Ms Booth was a member of Alyson Livesey's (left) dance school for 14 years

"She has done amazing," Ms Livesey said.

"When Claire was younger we used to have a little saying, 'even if your head drops off you still carry on dancing' and she recites that back to me now."

Ms Booth said: "Everyone has their trials and tribulations in their life and everyone faces things.

"Coming back here I didn't feel nervous, this is where I belong.

"If I can inspire another person in a wheelchair to join a class and do what I'm doing then that would be amazing."

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