Mission
Our mission is with the support of the community and all levels of government, to provide support to achieve an all-inclusive, safe environment for dancers, family members and friends.
Vision
Our vision is to create an environment promoting health and happiness through dance in a safe, secure and inclusive environment.
Commitment
PADA aims to combine the social aspects of dance with the personal achievements of its participants with regard to style, technique, and proficiency in all three styles of Ballroom Dancing.
History
Para and Ability Dance Australia (PADA) became incorporated in September 2019, after a committee meeting on the 13th July 2019 of the Para Dancers coming together to discuss competing in the Australian DanceSport Championship in Melbourne. From that meeting it was decided we should look at incorporating as a not-for-profit association, to be able to apply for grants to support travel, costumes and development of the sport.
Today PADA is incorporated and applies for grants as a not-for-profit organisation as well as fundraising.
The objects of our Association through Dance are-
- To be a not-for-profit organisation that supports the active health and wellbeing of dancers with a disability through promotion, development and training;
- To provide social activities that are safe and inclusive for dancers with a disability;
- To encourage and empower dancers with a disability to actively participate within the association, partner organisations and the community;
- To encourage and promote the development and expansion of all forms of dancing for dancers with a disability;
- To promote and participate in community events that include dancers with a disability;
- To co-operate with, and to seek co-operation from, dance promoters and all organisations supporting the dance community; and
- To support and assist the disability community organisations wherever possible and practicable.
PADA as a charitable association for people living with disabilities who have a love for dance. PADA is able to advocate for the dancers from all the dance studios across both the metropolitan and country areas with competition organisers to enable members to participate and be a strong and important part of the Dancing community across Western Australia.
Above all, PADA has adopted an underlying principle, while sharing in the joy of dance we have FUN and provide a safe and supportive environment.
PADA members have been involved in a number of performances and displays and want to travel and compete regionally and interstate. The PADA members performances include the:
- 2019 Disability Support Awards – Crown Ballroom
- 2019 and 2020 Special Olympics State Titles Opening Ceremony – Rockingham
- 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 International Day of People with Disability – City of Belmont
- 2020, 2021 and 2022 Perth Disability Expo – The Perth Convention Centre
- 2020 City of South Perth Summer on the Foreshore – South Perth Foreshore
- 2020 City of Victoria Park Jazz in the Park – Victoria Park
- 2021 Fringe Show – Townsend Theatre
- 2021 Ability Dance Come and Try Day – City of South Perth
- 2021 International Day of People with Disability – City of South Perth
- 2021 and 2022 International Day of People with Disability – Belmont Forum
- 2022 Special Olympics DanceSport Development Day – Loftus Centre
- 2022 Bingo Fundraiser – Manning Senior Citizens Centre
- 2023 World Para Dance Coaching Course – Perth Town Hall
- 2023 Ballroom Bingo in partnership with the Rotary Club of Como – Collier Street Centre, South Perth
- 2023 Special Olympics DanceSport Development Competition
- 2023 Special Olympics WA DanceSport State Games
PADA has held three workshops to date for members and been involved as a partner with DanceSport Western Australia in a third workshop:
- 2020 DanceSport Australian Western Australia Para and Ability Dance Workshop – Government House
- 2021 Dance Make-up workshop – The Manning Senior Citizens Centre
- 2021 Body and Arm Styling workshop – The Como Primary School Hall
PADA currently has over 60 registered members, but with every event held, more members are recruited.