Warragul Social connections dance into hearts

Warragul Social Connections in Gippsland have danced their way to into everyone’s hearts at this years Morwell Festival of Dance. The Performance choreographed by “BE” Performing Arts.

The festival has been running for 36 years, providing local dance schools and children the opportunity to perform on stage. Last year was the first year that clients participated and they loved it so much that they will be continuing to enter in the years to come.

This year clients decided to perform a group dance, enjoying the freedom and joy that their moves brought about. Danielle Guttridge, Disability Support Worker, even tie-dyed tops for everyone to wear, and clients were pampered before hitting the stage, with some even having their hair beautifully braided.

Our drama group performed a 3-minute performance and two clients also performed 3-minute solo performances, Paige danced and Cameron sang and played his ukulele. The Morwell Festival of Dance provided this opportunity at no cost and covered the entry fees for family members to come along and watch the clients perform on stage. We are so thankful to them for their generosity!

“I would love for our clients to be recognised for the amazing performance and the joy they provided not only to their family members but the wider community who came along and supported them during their performance. There were tears of joy shed by us all as we proudly watched the clients rock on stage”, says Patricia Astbury, Service Delivery System Operational Support.

The clients all received a critique from the adjudicator, along with a competitor pin and medal for the beautiful performances they did on the day.

“I am so proud of each client and support worker as a dancer myself the courage and sportsmanship they showed each other and to perform in front of a large audience was amazing”, says Patricia. Patricia and her daughter are participants of Industry Dance Studio, who have offered to give clients free lessons so that they can perform at the 3^rd term show on 16 September. A big thanks to Industry Dance studio for their support and generosity! We can’t wait to see the next performance.