Ready to dance
Colour happy: Lisa Pellin Dancers Ebony Smith, Alex Webb, Charli Burns, Jade McLennan and Siobhan Cooper were dressed up in anticipation of The Great Southern Star Eisteddfod this weekend.
THE 3rd Annual Great Southern Star Eisteddfod is on again at Mesley Hall in Leongatha this weekend and with more dancers entering every year, this one is set to go off with a bang.
Tanya Bolam, president of the eisteddfod committee, said the three day dance spectacular is going to be huge.
“This year we have got over 600 performances taking place over the three days,” she said.
“Entries are well up from last year, when we had about 530 performances.
“We have also added another section to this year’s competition, which is a tap championship.”
The eisteddfod provides a fantastic opportunity for local children, as well as children from around the state to showcase their talent and their love of dance.
“The community has really got behind us with regards to sponsorship and support, which we really appreciate. Without support from businesses like The Star, we wouldn’t be able to run,” Ms Bolam said.
This is our third year running and we are learning as we go. It involves a lot of hard work by some very dedicated people.”
The local eisteddfod is gaining more recognition locally, as well as from all around Victoria.
“There are a lot of local dancers, predominantly from Gippsland, but there are some Melbourne schools sending groups down to compete,” Ms Bolam said.
“There will be a huge range of dance styles showcased, including tap, classical, jazz, neo-classical, national, character and the championship sessions.
“Spectators are welcome and can purchase tickets at the door. The sessions are very reasonably priced at only $4 each.
“We will be awarding seven scholarships to Melbourne schools for one week’s intensive training over the summer, which will be selected by the adjudicator.
“The Mirboo North and District Community Bank Rising Star Award will be awarded to an overall winner, which is also attached to a summer school scholarship.”
The eisteddfod brings with it a big influx of people into the Leongatha community.
“We really encourage the competitors and their families to enjoy being in Leongatha and to utilise the local restaurants and accommodation,” Ms Bolam said.
Julie Betts, from the Leongatha Motel said that as usual, the eisteddfod is filling up rooms.
“We have a few more booked in for the Friday night than we did last year, but people are still booking in this week,” Ms Betts said.
“It’s a great event; it brings income into the town. Visitors eat out at night, look at the shops and stay in local accommodation.
“They are long days, so they do things in the town to break them up.”
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