Organisers of the Waves Inclusive Dance Parties celebrated the first anniversary of the event by holding another Inclusive Dance Party at the Central Coast Leagues Club on June 2.
The Wave dances for young people with and without disability are organised by a committee of people mostly aged in their 20s, with the support of Social Futures, a not-for-profit organisation and NDIS partner in the community, and the Terrigal Rotary Club.
The dances are held every three months.
Around 200 people attended the June 2 dance, among them Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, who said was great to “get her groove on” at the event.
“Seeing so many people of all abilities laughing, dancing, having fun and doing things that other adults get to do warmed my heart,” she said.
“Thank you to the team at Waves for another successful all abilities dance party.”
Andie Poetschka is one of the young people who helped make the idea of inclusive dance parties on the Central Coast a reality.
The 25 year old, who has cerebral palsy, lives on the Central Coast and works in disability advocacy.
“I knew the dance parties would be successful, I just didn’t expect them to be this successful,” she said.
“I think the live band has been a big drawcard, because a lot of people with disability never have the opportunity to go to a live gig so this is a very special thing for them.
“We can also be ourselves there.
“We are not babysat; it’s created by young people with disability for young people.”
Social Futures Central Coast Community Development Officer Scott Jones thanked Terrigal Rotary and Central Coast Leagues Club for their ongoing support.
Maggi Vincent from Terrigal Rotary said the group was proud to work alongside Social Futures to support the Waves committee to facilitate social opportunities for young people with disability on the Central Coast.
Poetschka said she moved to the Central Coast from Sydney when she was a teenager and quickly noticed that there were few events where young people with disability could socialise.
“Our first dance party on June 11, 2022, attracted fewer than 60 people, but we had the best time.
“We booked a live band and decorated the function room.
“There was a modest door charge, just to cover costs.
“We promoted the next party through social media and media, and around 150 came.
“Then we organised another dance close to Christmas and almost 200 showed up.
“It was brilliant, everyone was in fab outfits.”
The dance parties have been so successful organisers have moved the event to a bigger space in Central Coast Leagues Club with a bigger dance floor.
“When I’m at a dance party people come up to me and say, ‘When is the next one, I want to come, I want to be there’,” Poetschka said.
“People are so excited by this.”
There is a $15 door cover to pay for expenses; carers are admitted free.
Source:
Social Futures