中国最美的舞者 The freedom of dance Three times a week, since 2009, a group of dancers, including 27 people who are physically challenged, practice modern dance. Photos by Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

Be it the twist, or an elegant waltz - no dance steps appear too difficult for a group of physically challenged people in Beijing. These members of the Beijing Wheelchair Dance Training Base, established in 2009, are able to maneuver their wheelchairs with ease, grace and speed. They train three times a week as part of their expressive and creative arts therapy. According to Zhang Zhong, the wheelchair dance team captain, to dance well in wheelchairs requires hard work. He says one can only master the various forms of movements and expressions after two years of continuous practice. "Most of them take up dancing as a form of entertainment. They are too shy to perform in public," he says.

A volunteer instructor guides Dong Jingli (left) across the floor, to help her practice modern dance. Beijing Wheelchair Dance Training Base is China's first and only dance training base for the disabled. Zhang Zhong (second from right) is the only full-time dancer, while the rest come from all walks of life. The speed of the wrists is vital to dancers in wheelchairs. Chen Hong, 53, works out on her wrists during a break.