Braybrook’s Matthew Ferguson has been expressing himself through hip-hop dance for about 11 years as a way to overcome his intellectual disabilities, with his dance moves and inspirational content attracting more than 7000 followers on Tiktok. As he tells Matthew Sims, he has been sharing his love for dance with others online and through dance competitions.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I have been living with my parents in Braybrook for four years. I have a lot of love, passion and commitment towards my community. I work with different charities and different projects, such as The Salvation Army, the Helping Hands Mission and Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Dance for Sick Kids. I have won a lot of awards.
What do you love about where you live?
I love that I have great support within the community and awesome neighbours who cheer me on. I also love the piece of mind I get within nature and I love that the streets are quiet.
What have you been passionate about recently?
I have been focusing on my goal and my passion of making my dance skills spread world wide and inspiring those with a disability, showing them that no matter what, you can you can do anything you put your mind to.
How has your passion for the west informed your life and work?
The atmosphere and the pure love I get from all the shop workers and everyday strangers makes me love what I do.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My favourite local places to spend time include Starbucks in Maidstone and playgrounds like Braybrook Park and Ash Reserve in Braybrook. Coffee is good for the mind and the fresh air is good for the soul.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I take my dancing seriously. Being a dancer with a disability, I am showing people that disabled people can do it too. I also love doing Zumba and 80s style aerobics.
Details: www.facebook.com/RealMatthewFerguson, www.tiktok.com/@matthewfergusonofficial or www.youtube.com/c/MatthewFergusonOfficial
