THE Newport Hotel in Fremantle is set become the first venue in WA to host a bonafide club night for people with disabilities.

Music and dance therapist Kelly Buckle wanted the disabled community to enjoy an authentic nightclub experience and has organised Dance Ability Dance Night on September 4 at the Newport.

Ms Buckle owns Kelete Theatre and Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton Hill, running drama and dance therapy sessions for young people with disabilities.

“I had a lot of feedback from disabled people and their carers that they had lots of things to do during the day, but at night there was nowhere they could go to let loose and party,” she says.

“I want them to have a proper night event they can get dressed up for.

• A dance performance at the Kelete Theatre and Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton Hill. Photo supplied

“Music and movement is a great therapeutic tool and the opportunity to socialise is a confidence booster second to none.”

With no government funding available, Ms Buckle’s idea was starting to look like a pipe dream, but the Newport stepped in and donated their venue.

“To find a safe venue which is accessible is really, really difficult, they have given me the whole of the bottom level,” she says.

The staffed event will have a chill area, and subsidised food, and a couple of St John’s ambulance volunteers on hand.

If Dance Ability Dance Night is a success, Ms Buckle is looking at holding similar events, on significant dates like Valentine’s Day, throughout the year.

Dance Ability is on September 4, 6pm–10pm, Tix $5 at trybooking.com/QITF

by JENNY D’ANGER