Let’s dance
LEONGATHA is set to be front and centre of the dance scene from this Friday with hundreds of dancers descending on South Gippsland for the sixth Great Southern Star Eisteddfod.
The event is anticipated to boast quality competition, with local entrants from Lisa Pellin Dancers recently returning victorious from the Australian Teachers of Dance Australasian Scholarships.
Eisteddfod president Nella Mitchelson says despite the impeccable standard of dance to be on display, the competition seeks to maintain a healthy, supportive environment.
“The dancers see it as an opportunity to catch up with friends on the weekend and perform. We try not to make it too competitive,” Mrs Mitchelson said.
In her first year of committee presidency, Mrs Mitchelson is no stranger to eisteddfods with two daughters having competed in the dance community for 13 years at Lisa Pellin Dancers.
“We are very lucky in Leongatha to have a wonderful environment for young dancers with a variety of dance providers in the region.”
Entries for the sixth annual eisteddfod skyrocketed with the three day program having reached full capacity of 700 performances within two weeks of applications being open to the public.
With dancers coming from Melbourne and beyond, audiences are sure to see a diverse program. Sections include jazz, tap, neo classical, classical, song and dance, contemporary and hip hop in both solo and troupe categories.
“We are very appreciative of all sponsors for the eisteddfod. The community have rallied around the event and we are so grateful for the support,” Mrs Mitchelson said.
Aside from trophies and medals, dancers are striving to achieve outstanding scores to win Summer School Scholarships funded by gold sponsor Creative Victoria.
The grants will provide tuition to some of the best summer dance programs in Australia, including, Australian Ballet School, Dance Factory, Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and National Theatre Ballet School.
Mirboo North and District Community Bendigo Bank Branch are proudly sponsoring both the Rising Star Award and Best Troupe Dance Award.
The eisteddfod commences this Friday morning from 8am at Mesley Hall and will run until Sunday evening.
Jonti Westaway – photo courtesy Belinda Strodder Photography.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Aug 4 2015. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
