Putting on the glitz!

It's the sparkliest dance troupe in town! The Star Performers & Twinkle Stars Dance Studio is a place where friendships are forged, ability is nurtured and the annual concert is the happiest day of the year.

- JENNY BROWN

Magic is happening inside a nondescript school hall on a busy suburban street as choreographer Justyne Leeke puts her crew through its paces. “Raise your arms, twirl! Great, now shake it,” she shouts through a blast of '70s disco hits, blonde curls bobbing.

There’s a bedazzlement of rainbow sequins that would make Dame Edna look drab. But the students’ smiles – and their parents’ evident pride – outshine even those flamboyant costumes. Pure joy explodes as music and movement unite in a celebration of unstoppable spirit.

This is no ordinary chorus line. These dancers are from the Star Performers & Twinkle Stars Dance Studio, a wonderful place in southern Sydney where children and adults with special needs learn to express their abilities in a fun, safe space.

“It gives them a sense of belonging, a challenge and a chance to succeed,” explains Mary Clark, 64, whose daughter, Sarah, has been with Star Performers for 15 years, ever since she was six.

“Saturday is her favourite part of the week, and she just loves performing in the annual concerts. There’s so much colour and shimmer. It’s fun! At primary school she had the opportunity to play soccer, but this is her team now.”

Lasting friendships have been forged by students and families alike. There are several ongoing romances. The annual concert is a hot ticket community highlight. And Star Performers have also strutted their stuff on organised trips to Disneyland, Hawai’i, Dreamworld and the Parkes Elvis Festival, among other destinations.