0420 466 064
About Us
All Abilities Cheer and Dance was founded by Alana who is dedicated to bringing together people with disabilities, to express themselves through the fun and creative world of cheerleading and dance. Alana saw there were no other cheer and dance businesses in South Australia solely for people of all ages with all types of disabilities (under one roof) and wanted to provide them with equal access to the cheer and dance world.
All of the AACD coaches have personal and professional experience working with people with disabilities. All coaches have their Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a National Police Clearance. Coaches who facilitate our school workshops have their Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC).
Mrs Alana
Founder and Senior Coach
Alana has 28 years personal experience with disability; having two younger brothers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. She is passionate about equal rights of people with disabilities, collaboration and inclusion, spreading kindness, and is excited about contributing to inclusion support in the cheer and dance world!​
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Alana has 14 years dance experience and has been involved in competition dance for 11 years. Her performance and competition dance experience include styles in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, cheerleading and pom. Her dance highlights include performing at Disneyland Resort in California, Disney California Adventure Park and at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2012. As well as competing interstate and performing in the (then) Credit Union Christmas Pageant, and on stage at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre several times. Alana is also an accredited cheerleading coach in Level 1 stunts, tumbling and tosses.​
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Alana completed her Bachelor of Communication and Media at the University of South Australia in 2017 and her Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies at Flinders University in 2019. Alana has completed courses in disability awareness and inclusive coaching from Perform Ability and Special Olympics Australia. ​She previously worked in marketing and career pathways and is now incredibly grateful to be able to share accessible cheerleading and dancing throughout her community full time.
Miss Rachel
Team Leader and Senior Coach
Rachel has an extensive 24 + years personal experience with disability; having an older brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. She is passionate about spreading disability awareness and acceptance and continuing to create inclusion opportunities for people with disability.
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Rachel has always been motivated to pursue a career where she can create a positive and lasting impact within the disability sector. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education at Flinders University and has now moved straight into work as a Developmental Educator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner. She has also completed courses in disability awareness and inclusive coaching from Special Olympics Australia.
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Rachel has over 15 years dance experience and training, both recreationally and competitively, at a state and national level. Her performance and competition dance experience include styles in jazz, theatrical jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, cheerleading and pom. Her dance highlights include performing at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, in the (then) Credit Union Christmas Pageant, and performing on stage at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Rachel has four years prior coaching experience at previous dance schools and Special Olympics Australia, as well as being an OG All Abilities coach since its opening in 2020. Rachel is also an accredited cheerleading coach in Level 1 & 2 stunts, tumbling and tosses.
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Rachel’s friendly, outgoing and ‘keeping it real’ disposition enables her to form trusting relationships with all members of the AACD Community. She is loud, proud, and aims to provide an environment in her classes where dancers can have FUN and express themselves through the wonderful and creative world of cheerleading and dance. Inclusion and advocacy, along with cheer and dance, are Rachel's biggest passions and she is so excited to be bringing the two together!
Miss Hannah (Gig)
Senior Coach and Admin
Gig has 4 years of professional experience with disability is in her 5th year working with All Abilities Cheer and Dance! Gig has 2 years' experience as a disability support worker and is currently working as an SSO supporting students with disabilities and trauma to positively access mainstream schooling. Gig is passionate about supporting individuals, especially youth, to develop independence, social skills, communication skills and have positive, fun experiences inside and outside of schooling. Gig is in her final year of a Bachelor of Primary Education and hopes to combine this with the knowledge she is developing in disability support to become a teacher that focuses on the inclusion of students with disabilities within schooling communities.
Miss Leticia
Senior CheerAbility Coach
Leticia has 10 years of professional experience working with people with disabilities in a wide range of capacities. Leticia first began working with young people with disabilities in 2013, coaching swimming and gymnastics.
Leticia currently works as the Team Leader for children's respite in support services. Through supporting children to work towards achieving their goals, building and maintaining friendships, and the opportunity to develop their independence in a community based setting, Leticia's passion for disability has grown vastly.
Leticia is currently studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of South Australia, and hopes to one day have her own private practice.
Leticia has over 10 years of experience in dance and cheer, competing at state and national competitions in level 4, performing in shows and pageants, and participating in fundraisers. Leticia is also an accredited cheerleading coach in Level 1 stunts, tumbling and tosses. Leticia is excited to continue to share her experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm with all athletes at All Abilities Cheer and Dance for the third year running.
Miss Jools
All Abilities Coach
Julique has been dancing since she was 4 years old and teaching since the age of 12. She has experience in teaching all age groups, as well as all levels of dance abilities. Julique herself dances many styles as well as teaching them. Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Pom, Cheerleading, Musical Theatre, Funk, are some of the styles she has trained in, teaches, and also acts as an assistant teacher.
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Julique has grown up with people around her who have a wide range of disabilities. She has been trained in how to look after people with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as how to assist students in dance class through a range of methods, making sure that each individual is cared for properly. From a young age she has volunteered with the organisation scosa and has learnt a lot from everyone involved.
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Julique has trained with national and international choreographers, as well as being mentored by professional dancers. From these experiences she has learnt how to run dance schools, what goes into making dance concerts/performances, successful winning routines for competitions, as well as fun classes and great recreational dances, making sure each individual dancer gets the most out of each class.
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Julique has performed at many locations for all kinds of events including the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for Wakakirri and other competitions, and the Festival Theatre for the Festival of Music Northern Troup. She has been involved in many competitions and other performances state and nationwide, she has been very successful over the years and knows what it takes to make a winning performance. She has also been participating in Dance for Sick Kids, raising money for families through dance.
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Julique is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Human Movement at University of South Australia, once she has finished the bachelor’s degree, she will then go onto a further 2 years of study for Dance Movement Therapy.
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Julique is very excited to bring her experience, excitement and loving energy into class and help each individual dancer get the most out of each class and performance.
Miss Jess
All Abilities Coach
Jess has 20 years personal experience with disability as she has a younger brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has also been working professionally within the disability sector for 8 years. She
has previously been a Disability Advocate for people with Acquired Brain Injuries and worked extensively to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme and receive the supports required to lead a quality life.
Jess has previously worked on several disability specific committees, most recently being a part of the Australian Electoral Committee Disability and Inclusion Plan. Jess is currently a Team Leader, working alongside a team to support people who require 24/7 supports.
Jess is passionate about disability rights and creating inclusive and safe spaces for people living with disability. Jess is currently undertaking a Master’s Degree in Social Work having completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2018. Jess has been dancing since she was 2. Jess has experience in Jazz, Tap,
Classical, Contemporary and Hip-hop. Jess has competed in many competitions and was fortunate to travel to Asia to dance in 2012 which was an amazing experience. Some of the highlights of her dancing includes being involved in Candance for a Cure for 10 years and was a part of the Core Group Ensemble for 5 years. Being able to combine her passion of dance and raising money for Cancer Research has
been inspirational to see the difference the money has made to the ongoing plight of
Cancer research.
Jess taught dance for many years as an assistant dance teacher within her previous dance school, and professionally taught Classical Ballet Exams for 3 years as a Senior Dance Teacher, training children from the ages of 4-16. Jess has been a Dance Coach with All Abilities 2 years and is excited to continue
sharing her passion for dance with the All Abilities Community!
Miss Kyra
All Abilities Coach & Operations Support
Kyra started ballet as a toddler to assist with her general balance and co-ordination but quickly fell in love and has been performing since. She completed Ballet & Tap exams every year growing up and first entered the competition world with Jazz and Tap solos at the age of 8. Kyra obtained a Certificate IV in Dance through full-time study, after completing SACE dance with straight As.
Kyra returned to competition performing in 2018, whilst performing professionally with credits such as 36ers Cheerleading Team, SkyCity Casino, Royal Croquet Club, various nightlife events and corporate Brazilian Samba performances.
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Kyra has 10 years of teaching experience, working with all ages, abilities and genres of dance. She takes pride in her careful class planning, and delivering a fun and inspiring class experience. Kyra has been working behind the scenes with operations at All Abilities and is excited to bring her passion and knowledge into the studio!
Miss Georgia
Relief Coach
Georgia has cheerleading experience ranging from level 1 - level 3 and has competed at both state and national levels. She also has experience in various dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, pom, lyrical and musical theatre, both competitively and recreationally. Georgia has even choreographed a number of drama productions and school musicals.
Currently, Georgia is pursuing a Bachelor of Software Engineering at the University of South Australia. It’s great to see that she is following her passion for dancing while also pursuing her academic interests.
Georgia is excited to share her love and passion for dancing with everyone at All Abilities.
Miss Caitlin
Support Coach
Caitlin has been working with young people and adults with disabilities for 7 years, having worked in an OSHC and providing 1:1 supports to several young children with complex behavioural needs. Currently Caitlin supports several clients to access the community, build their independent living skills and support them to lead a quality life. Caitlin is also an avid gardener and enjoys supporting clients who need an extra hand maintaining their beautiful gardens!
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Caitlin has been supporting All Abilities at competitions and events throughout 2023 and is excited to continue to work alongside the coaches to provide an inclusive and supportive space for everyone within the All Abilities Community.
Miss Sarah
Student Assistant Coach
Sarah is a passionate advocate for people with intellectual disability. Sarah has a career as an inclusion advisor for the South Australian Council for Intellectual Disability (SACID). Sarah presents workshops in South Australia, and interstate, on a range of topics that inform, and support people with intellectual disability to make informed, and when needed, supported decisions about their lives. Sarah also presents at workshops for parents, carers, professionals, and workers who support people with intellectual disability. Sarah shares her lived experience, knowledge, barriers and challenges she faces, as a young woman with Down syndrome forging her career, and desire to live independently with the supports she chooses.
Sarah has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Sarah started her formal dancing career with the Down Syndrome Society, where she was a member of the Society's rock n roll demonstration team, and annual dance and theatre productions. This took her dancing throughout SA, interstate, and World Congresses in Singapore, Canada, Ireland and Scotland. Her dream has always been to be a dance teacher.
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Sarah is studying to be an assistant dance coach with All Abilities. Sarah is very excited to be fulfilling her dream of teaching other students with disabilities, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Sarah is very proud to be a member of the All Abilities Pom and Hip Hop dance teams. Sarah has formed new friendships, and is a positive role model for all students at All Abilities. Sarah loves the excitement of competing in local and national competitions. These comps bring out her drive to be the best dancer she can be. Sarah thrives on performing in front of an audience. Her enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to her dance career, makes her a wonderful asset to All Abilities
Miss Hannah
Student Assistant Coach
Hannah has been with All Abilities since 2020 when she was 11 years old. After starting dancing at 3, as she got older, she always felt she didn’t fit in. That’s when her mum found All Abilities Cheer and Dance and Hannah found her place where she is respected for being herself.
Hannah is the 2nd oldest of 4 siblings (all boys). Hannah’s older brother was diagnosed with Autism when he was 3.5 years old. She was his biggest help in learning to do many things, she has always had a caring heart and loves to help people whenever she can.
Hannah was also diagnosed with a disability herself in 2020, which has only made her more determined to make people feel included and help them achieve things to the best of their abilities.
Hannah is looking forward to continue dancing and now being a Student Teacher at All Abilities Cheer and Dance. Hannah hopes that she will make everyone at All Abilities proud just as her parents are proud of her.
Miss Hayley
Student Assistant
I am a student at All Abilities Cheer and Dance. I have been dancing here since July 2020 after searching for a dance company where I would finally fit in and feel equal and I can just be me and here, I can.
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I have autism, anxiety and a rare metabolic disorder called galactosemia - also causing intellectual disability and a wide range of health issues. Growing up with a disability has been very hard for me to find a place, feel safe, included, accepted and make friends who accept me for who I am.
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Before joining AACD, I completed 15 years of calisthenics and received a 10 year service award! Dancing my way through to championship teams, my highlight was performing at the Australian Calisthenics Federation 19th National Championships in the Adelaide 2007th opening ceremony. After that, I moved to Golden Heights Cali Club and after receiving my 5 years service award, I still hadn’t found myself.
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I completed year 12 with some struggles but during that time I managed to achieve my Certificate III in Children Services.
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I love arts and crafts, dancing, the beach and in my spare time I love hanging out with my family/nieces and nephew, and hanging out with my friends.
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My goals are helping others with disabilities, learning sign language and overcoming my anxiety and making everyone feel included.