Sitting in the audience at the 1997 Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England, dog trainer Jill Houston was thrilled to see a border collie perform to a Riverdance routine.
Tears came to her eyes as the clever dog leg weaved and spun in time to the music.
"It was very emotional seeing the total connection between dog and trainer," Jill said.
Back home in WA, Jill and her daughter Amanda were inspired to put together their own doggy dance troupe.
"My dog Jack was soon spinning, bowing, standing on his hind legs and weaving through my legs in time to Ravel's Bolero," Jill said.
"I wore a flowing purple creation. The other handlers also wore costumes but the dogs were limited to fancy collars, to keep their dignity.
"We appeared at agricultural shows and other events and found crowds loved the music and costumes and seeing dogs having fun."
Songs by Michael Jackson, Elvis and ABBA were popular choices.
Heelwork to music was officially recognised as a competition by the Canine Control Association in 2009 and since 2010 Dances With Dogs has been a regular feature at the Perth Royal Show.
The Show is expected to return this year and the DWD competition is scheduled to take place on September 26. It will be followed by Trick Tests, a more relaxed competition to encourage people to get into the ring with their dogs.
Jill will take to the arena with her new young border collie Ace and showcase routines to Moscow by Genghis Khan and the theme to The Man from Snowy River.
Classic, country and rock music will feature in the competition.
"At the moment Pink is very popular," Jill said.
Over the years Jill has trained many dancing dogs, and in 2012 even found herself competing at Crufts where it all started for her, coming in at 10th place.
She said so long as they have basic obedience skills, any dog can learn how to strut their stuff on the dance floor.
Not that canine choreography always goes smoothly.
"One year a dog abandoned his performance to sit up and beg beside a little girl sitting eating fairy floss," Jill said.
"The crowd loved it. DWD is perfect for anyone who likes good music, colourful costumes and seeing well-behaved dogs have a bit of fun."
Presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA at Claremont Showground, the Show will run from September 25-October 2. Friday, October 1 is half-price Seniors Day.