All-Abilities Dance Takes Centre Stage At Sandgate 

Photo of author
Written By Kelly Walker

Get ready for an incredible evening of joy, artistry, and inspiration as Ignite Services, Slay My Ability (SMA), and Bust a Move Dance (BAMDance) join forces for their first-ever collaborative end-of-year showcase. 

Taking place at Sandgate Town Hall on 12 December, Carmen Scali, Founder of Ignite, and BAMDance licensee, said that the evening would be an uplifting celebration of both creativity and community. 

“This showcase celebrates what dance truly represents – expression, inclusion, confidence, and connection,” Carmen said. “Ignite, BAMDance and Slay My Ability, bring together dancers of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences to share the stage and show that dance has no limits.” 

Scotty Cosslet, SMA director and former BAMDance teacher, added that the dancers would perform a diverse range of styles, from jazz and commercial hip hop to heartfelt contemporary and lyrical pieces. 

“It promises to be a true celebration of movement and artistry,” he said. “Witnessing the joy, confidence, and empowerment that dance brings to our participants is genuinely the most fulfilling part of my role.”

Empowerment, Collaboration, and Community Spirit

BAMDance is an international organisation offering classes for kids, teens, and adults with disabilities, paving the way for teachers to create safe, inclusive, and accessible dance spaces – a mission Scotty and Carmen said they had embraced in their own programs. 

“Together, Scotty and I aim to create an environment where every dancer feels valued and has the opportunity to grow,” Carmen said. “For many of our participants, this partnership has meant feeling part of something bigger than just one class or studio. It allows our dancers to build friendships across different classes, experience a variety of teaching styles, and gain confidence performing in different settings. It’s a supportive, inclusive community where everyone is celebrated.” 

Both Scotty and Carmen agreed that the dancers had worked incredibly hard to prepare for the performance and couldn’t wait to take the stage. 

“The excitement is palpable,” Scotty said. “They are eager to showcase the true power of dance and remind us all that there are no limits to pursuing our dreams.” 

“I hope people leave with a deeper understanding of the power of community and the magic that happens when we create spaces where everyone belongs,” Carmen said. “A space where dance isn’t defined by perfection, but by pure joy, teamwork, and the freedom to express yourself exactly as you are.” 

For ticket information, visit Ticketleap

IGNITE Your Light & Slay The Night End of year showcase 

  • Friday, 12 December, 6.30 pm (Doors open at 6pm) 
  • Sandgate Town Hall 
  • 5 Brighton Road, Sandgate

Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here: