Raby couple George and Lynne Czender were competitive ballroom dancers in the 1980s and 1990s.
They had their own studio in West Hoxton, training dancers at state and national level, and competing professionally themselves, as well as providing show dance for events.
In 2004, Lynne had an injury which forced the couple to stop all dancing overnight.
“It wasn’t until 2016 that wheelchair dance was suggested to us, and late 2024 before we took the plunge into Para dance,’’ says Lynne.
Lynne uses a sports wheelchair, and George is the standing dancer in what is known as a Combi dancing team.
Now the couple have taken their return to dancing a step further by starting a dance class at Minto PCYC on Wednesday nights.
They teach dancesport, Latin, modern, new vogue and swing for classes that are inclusive, flexible and fun for people of all abilities.
“At each class we begin with warm-ups, and then complete some basic skills of dance,’’ says Lynne.
“This may look a little different between a standing dancer and a dancer using a wheelchair, but they have the same outcome. We therefore teach everyone side by side regardless.
“We have been encouraged by our return to our love of dance – our wish is to provide joy to others with disabilities, and to make the community aware of the possibilities of para dance.’’
Unleashed Dance, an all inclusive, all abilities class starts things off at 5pm on Wednesday nights at Minto PCYC, followed by a Just Dance class 6.30pm to 7.30pm for strictly dancesport.
Anyone who is interested in joining the dance classes can just pop down to PCYC Minto at 5pm on a Wednesday. The first class is free.
Alternatively get in touch with Lynne and George at their Facebook page, Dance Down Under.