Rachel Peebles, 24, lives with a moderate intellectual disability and epilepsy and has long admired her 15-year-old sister, Ellen, who has danced since the age of three.

The eisteddfod normally holds a section each year dedicated to performers with special needs and this year, it has given Ellen permission to dance with her sibling.

The girls’ mother, Liz, said two of Rachel’s friends had performed in the section previously and Rachel wanted to give it a shot.

“She follows her sister around the eisteddfod circuit and wanted to try something like that,” she said.

“Ellen said she wanted to do it with her because she’s a dancer anyway, I just had to write to [the eisteddfod committee] because Ellen doesn’t have a disability.

“The committee has been very supportive and we want to thank them for allowing them to dance together.” 

Ellen choreographed the routine and said it would be a mix of jazz and hip hop.

“It’s probably difficult in some spots, but she’s picking it up very well,” she said.

Rachel said she felt proud when she watched Ellen dance and she looked forward to her own debut.

The sisters will perform their routine on August 22 at Orange Civic Theatre.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com