You may have noticed a surge of posts on the FIT2MOVE socials this weekend because (as usual) we have been super busy! This is our first edition of a DANCER’S DIARY! This diary is a look into some of the projects and events FIT2MOVE is involved in.
Dancer’s Diary – December 2017
AUSTRALIAN DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Every year the ADS hosts the Australian Championships in early December. It’s the highlight of the Australian dance calendar and every Ballroom and Latin dancer in the country rocks up in hope of having the opportunity to ‘walk down the stairs’ and into the finals. Couples pre book their hotels a year in advance because the whole year is planned around this event. They also spend the entire week before training, gluing diamantes on costumes and applying fake tan.
The three day competition commences on Friday and continues through until Sunday with competitors of all ages and all levels. Including many of our own FIT2MOVEr’s. And if you like to find out how our students went, all results can be found HERE!
OPENING OF THE FINALS
This year, FIT2MOVE’s Director Jarryd Byrne choreographed the Opening of the Finals Session. The gorgeous and absolutely humble Phoebe Panaretos who played ‘Fran’ in “Strictly Ballroom the Musical” was invited along to sing her face off as headlining vocalist. Performing both the National Anthem and Whitney Houstons ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ Phoebe was accompanied by Jarryd and the very talented Luke Maggott. They showed us all that singing, dancing and doing back flips in a bow tie is almost the best fun you can have on Saturday night.
The opening also included the junior competitor’s and was a great opportunity for the country’s young talent to be featured. The young couples had less than an hour for a rehearsal on the day. A quick break to wipe their faces, tie their shoelaces and have a Vegemite sandwich and they were back on the floor for the opening.
Over the years many of the top Australian dancers have been a part of this tradition. It’s truly a great privilege to be asked to be included in the opening and most dancers never get the opportunity (…I had to wait 22 years). All the couples involved were absolutely fantastic and should be proud of their efforts. And we’d like to say a big thank you and well done!
WHITENIGHT MELBOURNE
White Night Melbourne had their official media launch on Monday morning at the Victorian State Library. FIT2MOVE were invited along to help promote the event. This year David Atkins has taken on the role of Artistic Director and Executive Producer. FIT2MOVE is pretty excited about the announcement of ‘Swing City’. A huge stage is to be erected on Collins St with 12 hours of non-stop dancing! Big band music, vintage cars, prizes and dancing for all ages! How good is that..?! Event details and a list of all the other great performers involved can be found HERE!
FLOORSHOW
Jarryd and I were able to sneak in a floorshow on Friday afternoon for the Entrepreneur’s Organisation at Rutherglen House. This venue is incredible and truly unique as it’s not just a function venue but also includes private residences. It’s an unbelievable space… and I say unbelievable because it is! I mean, unless you’ve been lucky enough to sip cognac with a taxidermy white leopard, a crocodile and more than 15 moose heads anywhere else…
The event theme was Swing so we swung through some Quickstep and a Jive. The guests were thoroughly thrilled with lifts, spins, drops and jumps! Then after the show we were generously offered a glass of bubbles and some amazing finger food from Peter Rowland! Delish!
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
This coming week looks like another busy week in a DANCER’S DIARY. FIT2MOVE is hosting a Xmas Party at Kindred Studios in Yarraville – Check our Facebook page for details. Also our Medal Day at Werribee on Thursday evening and everyone is welcome to come along to support their mates!