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.
Charlee Hockman and Alister Herrmann performing at the 2024 Para DanceSport Competition
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.
Heidi Prendiville and Alister Herrmann at the Hong Kong 2025 Para Dance Sport International Competition
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 Claire Bremer, Curtis Wild and Sian Semark who will be competing in the
Ballroom events and the Bunbury Dance Club who will be performing a display.
Sian Semark and Peter Hegarty
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.
Sponsored by a Community Connect Grant from the City of Bunbury.
Article by 16 year old Perth Para Dancer Siria Lochrie
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