It’s ballroom dancing with a twist, wheelchair users are taking to the international stage as part of the world para dance championships.

Just like traditional ballroom dancing, para dancers don glittery gowns and partner up for moves like the foxtrot and waltz.

But unlike traditional ballroom dancing, participation is open to people of all abilities and in November a Perth team is headed to compete in Slovakia.

Para and Ability Dance WA (PADWA) chairman Daryl Davenport said that four Perth dancers competed in Hong Kong in March, to qualify for the world competition.

A man and a woman sitting on a bench posing for the camera
Para dancer Heidi Prindiville says the sport helps her build muscle. (Heidi Prindiville)

“This is a major event for us and one of our couples finished fourth in Hong Kong and they have a very strong chance to make the finals in the world championships,” Mr Davenport said.

Alongside ballroom, para dance has a freestyle component that allows participants to show off their wheelchair skills.

“Some of the guys can do handstands and flips…very outrageous and spectacular moves,” Mr Davenport said.

Funded by Telethon, para dancing has also expanded into Perth classrooms. “We have seven education support schools in that program,” Mr Davenport said.

Schools including Armadale Education Support Centre, Carson Street School, Burbridge school, West Coast Senior high school, John Tonkin high school, Gladys newton and Cannington Community College are now taking lessons in para dancing.

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Perth para dancer Heidi Prindiville has been dancing since April 2023 and is one of the qualifiers for the world championships.

Mrs Prindiville said para dancing has helped her physically to be able to use different parts of her body and build up her muscles.

“It’s a great community and we all support each other no matter what our disabilities are.”

Mrs Prindiville encourages anyone who is thinking about getting involved to just give it a go.

“You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

A group of people holding a sign posing for the camera
Four Perth dancers have qualified for the Para Dance Sport Insternational Competition in Hong Kong this year. (Daryl Davenport)

There are dozens of people involved in competition para dances. The next Perth para dance sport competition is set for June 1 at Herb Graham Recreation Centre in Mirrabooka with 28 competitors.