Telethon Para and Ability Dance School Program
Ballroom Fit is proud to participate in the Telethon Para and Ability Dance School Program, an initiative providing children of all abilities across Western Australia with the opportunity to experience the joy, benefits and inclusiveness of dance. Building on the 2025 and 2026 Telethon program Ballroom Fit is now assisting Para and Ability Dance Western Australia preparing for the 2027 program
The program brings structured, inclusive dance lessons directly into schools, enabling students with disability to access quality dance education alongside their peers. For Ballroom Fit, this is a natural extension of our commitment to making dance accessible to everyone.
As a DanceSport Australia registered teaching facility and NDIS registered provider, Ballroom Fit specialises in inclusive and adaptable dance programs that focus on ability rather than limitation. Through the Telethon-supported program, we work directly with schools to deliver engaging, supportive and meaningful dance experiences that celebrate every student’s individual abilities.
Our coaches introduce students to the foundations of ballroom and Latin dancing, combined with creative movement, music and opportunities for self-expression. Every session is adapted to meet the needs of the students, including those who use wheelchairs, have vision impairments, intellectual disabilities or other support needs.
Classes focus on developing:
- Movement and coordination
- Rhythm and musical awareness
- Confidence and self-expression
- Social interaction and teamwork
- Participation and inclusion
- A sense of achievement and belonging
Most importantly, students are encouraged to participate at their own pace and in ways that are appropriate for their individual abilities.
Creating Positive Change
The program is about much more than learning dance steps. It creates opportunities for students to experience success, build confidence and participate alongside their classmates.
Teachers and support staff have told us that the classes have had a positive impact on student engagement. For many participants, it is their first experience of structured dance, and the opportunity to move to music, participate with their peers and experience the excitement of performing can be genuinely transformative.
Through the Telethon Para and Ability Dance School Program, Ballroom Fit is also helping create pathways for young people who may wish to continue dancing beyond school. Students can potentially progress into community dance programs, performance opportunities and, for those who develop an interest, Para DanceSport.
By introducing children to dance at an early age, we are helping open the door to lifelong participation in an activity that provides physical, social and emotional benefits.
What Schools Are Saying
Colette Bailey, Teacher – Burbridge School
“The students loved attending dance classes. Every one of the students was smiling and engaged in the lesson, and when asked afterwards how they enjoyed the lesson, they all said they loved going.
The visuals were excellent. Staff and students could easily follow along with the lesson. The staff were also very experienced at working with students with disabilities, which made the classes run smoothly.”
Lucy Ferguson, Teacher – Carson Street School
“The children were energetic and happy after the session. Modelling and getting involved made it fun for the children. It was really fun, and the children were keen to join in.
The songs included actions to copy and ideas on how to simplify them for children with physical needs or those who struggle to maintain concentration. Thanks so much! We had a great time.”
Dance Is for Everyone
Ballroom Fit is honoured to collaborate with Telethon to deliver this important program and to help make inclusive dance opportunities available to more children across Western Australia.
Together, we are demonstrating that dance is for everyone and that ability, not disability, should be at the heart of every dancer’s journey.
