Alex is 19 and lives in Miranda. He has an intellectual disability and has been attending Twinkle Stars since April 2008, encouraged by Rod and Vanessa Tali’s mum (her brother Jarred is a friend of Alex).
The dance classes have replaced the drama classes he enjoyed at a Sutherland disability-support centre on Tuesday afternoons for four years.
Alex is very sociable, and likes to meet with his friends and dance with them, so he’s not much different from anyone else. Most people enjoy the camaraderie, the laughter and the sheer joy of jumping around in time to the music. Alex has always had a great sense of rhythm, and has always liked to be with his friends and do fun things, so the dance classes are perfect for him. They’ve become his focus on Saturdays, at least in the mornings. He loves them and wouldn’t miss them. He’ll always be late, though — that’s Alex!
Justyne, thanks to you and everyone involved for all your hard work and goodwill.