International and Australian choreographers host dance workshops in Warrnambool

More than 2000 dancers from around Australia converged on Warrnambool to participate in back-to-back workshops and events.

Founder and director Kate Meade described the three-day festival as incredible and inspirational.

She said the Warrnambool Stadium, where the workshops were held, was “abuzz with excitement” on Saturday. 

The festival culminated with a gala performance at the Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday night.

Meade said the dancers worked with some of the best Australian and international choreographers and instructors.

“We have Katherine McCormick from Step Up Revolution the movie. In Los Angeles she’s huge,” Meade said.

“We have Josie Walsh from the Joffrey Ballet (School in Los Angeles and San Francisco).

“Both have never been to Australia. This is their first visit and they’ve come to Warrnambool.”

Meade created the festival because she saw a need and said she had been humbled by the response and the festival's growth during the past four years. 

“There’s nothing else like it in all of Australia. Particularly for country kids, these opportunities are just non-existent.”

Ministry of Dance CEO and choreographer Jason Coleman said it was a fantastic event. 

“The skills that the kids obtain in dancing schools, they will use for the rest of their lives, regardless of whether they grow up to become professional dancers or not,” Coleman said.

“Hard work, dedication, passion, teamwork, friendship and confidence are so important in our young people.” 

Warrnambool dancer Ashlee Benter, 12, enjoyed learning dance moves from the musical Hairspray to the song You Can’t Stop the Beat.

She also enjoyed a commercial dance workshop with Coleman, who described it as the latest contemporary dance style. 

Warrnambool’s Maggie and Daisy Loft participated in the workshops.

Mum Andrea said it was an amazing opportunity. 

“They’re world-class entertainers and dancers. The kids just absolutely love it. It’s fantastic.”