Annabel Lindsay-Smith has been dancing since 2016 when one of her friends invited her to take part in come and try event at Humphrey’s dance studio. Her main partner was a man called Sentai Wang, they danced together for 4 and a half years and had a lot of fun dancing at comps and other events. Annabel currently doesn’t have a long-term dance partner because there is no one available in WA to do C Grade Latin Adult events.
She first started volunteering with Ballroom Fit when her teacher Grete Taylor, asked her if she wanted to come and volunteer at a Saturday ability class. “She knew I work as a teacher for students with special needs and thought I’d be interested in helping out on Saturdays.” Grete was then teaching the Saturday ability class. Annabel has been helping at the Saturday class since 2021, and her contributions are significant; she brings a fun and playful energy to the class. Annabel now also dances with a class 1 Para Dancer who she dances with on Saturdays. She loves showing everyone that everyone can dance, no matter their abilities. The greatest achievement so far for Annabel’s para dance partner is dancing at the WA Open Championship or dancing and being filmed at Telethon in 2021.
Annabel Lindsey-Smith and Kaitlin Hammond 2025 Night of Stars National DanceSport Championship
Annabel works as a special needs teacher, she believes this gives her an advantage because teaching has given her the ability to know what to do if dysregulation occurs with the students she works with. She also knows basic AUSLAN which she uses to communicate with a high needs wheelchair user at the Saturday ability class, alongside Key Word Sign (KWS). Annabel finds that her background in teaching has given her the confidence to step up and lead classes and lessons for Ballroom Fit when it’s needed. Her work/life can be tricky sometimes because she practices twice a week for her personal training as well as partnering for 2 hours on Saturdays. “However, for me, dance is also one way I can help release stress.” She looks forward to her lessons with her dance coach, Steven Greenwood each week because it’s something else to focus and work on.
Annabel Lindsey-Smith and Kaitlin Hammond at the 2023 Special Olympics DanceSport WA State Games
One of Annabel’s goals for dancing is to go to the Australian DanceSport Championship in Melbourne, either with para dance as a teacher or for her personal gain. Annabel is looking forward to continuing teaching and dancing for many more years to come.
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