Join Us for the 4^th Annual Special Olympics Ballroom DanceSport Development Competition in Bunbury – 3 August 2025

Dancing for people with disabilities is not only a joy to watch, it is also a powerful display of commitment, resilience, and talent. The competition will feature a wide range of events, including Ability events for dancers with an intellectual disability, as well as Vision Impaired, and Para Dance displays.

 

Para Dance involves wheelchair dancers, most commonly dancing with a standing partner (combi), though it can also be performed solo. Across all categories, dancers will compete and perform in the Standard, New Vogue and Latin styles, with featured dances including the Waltz, Jive, among others.

 

One of the highlights of the event will be performances by 22-year-old Alister Herrmann, who will be dancing with some of his students on the day. Alister first began dancing in Bunbury, where he met his partner Charlee Hockman. Though they now live in Perth, they continue to train together multiple times a week, often travelling back to Bunbury to work with their original coach Leita MacDougall.

 

Since late 2022, Alister has been teaching at Ballroom Fit, working with a broad range of students including Vision Impaired dancers and Para Dance athletes. He first approached Ballroom Fit as a volunteer after relocating to Perth. “However,” he says, “I was lucky enough to gain a permanent position that allows me to continue my passion while still studying full-time.”

 

His students have achieved outstanding results, including an all-abilities Australian national champion in Standard, Latin and New Vogue, and a Para Dance athlete who recently competed internationally in Hong Kong.

 

Outside of dancing, Alister is studying a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science, majoring in Medical Imaging. When asked how he manages his commitments, he shares, “Balancing my home, training, university and work life is very hard and stressful at times. I am very lucky to have very supportive family and friends who help motivate me to continue towards my goals.” Alister’s primary source of income is his work with Ballroom Fit.

 

Looking ahead, one of Alister’s goals is to work in major hospitals around the world while continuing to grow and succeed in the dance world. One of his dreams is to compete at Blackpool – the iconic international competition recently held at the Winter Gardens, where earlier this year a local Vision Impaired competitor, Vanessa Vlajkovic, also took the floor and won the Pro/ Am events with her coach and partner Simon Mills.

 

As well as support Alister Herrmann we look forward to supporting local Bunbury dancers Curtis Wild and Sian Semark who will be competing in the Ballroom events.

 

This highly anticipated event promises to be a memorable and uplifting celebration. It will showcase the talents of dancers of all abilities and highlight the importance of access and inclusion within the world of DanceSport.

 

Article by 16 year old Perth Para Dancer Siria Lochrie