In this sponsored post, “CityNews” talks with some of Canberra’s movers and shakers who know how to teach their talent.

WHETHER it’s folk, ballroom, belly dancing, hip hop, contemporary or something else, Canberra has no shortage of talent when it comes to dancing.

Besides the sheer fun of it, dancing can improve confidence, co-ordination and creativity, and is a great way for people of all ages to have fun, form friendships and get fit. 

This week “CityNews” talks with some of Canberra’s movers and shakers who know how to teach their talent.

Developing the next generation of dancers

QL2 DANCE’s innovative, challenging and diverse programs help shape the next generation of dance artists, says artistic director Ruth Osborne.

“We’re a contemporary organisation with an extensive training program tailored for ages five to 26,” says Ruth.

“We value creative input and collaboration in a non-competitive environment where each dancer is supported in their individuality.”

Ruth says QL2 dancers are always sharing their talents with the community through a wide variety of performances.

“In May we presented our Quantum Leap project ‘COMMUNICATE’ at The Playhouse for dancers aged 14 to 26,” she says.

“Every year our Quantum Leap ensemble presents a new work at The Playhouse choreographed by professional choreographers in collaboration with the Quantum Leap ensemble dancers.

“Our ‘Chaos Project’ for younger dancers aged eight to 20, also presented every year with a new work, will be presented at the Canberra College Theatre on October 13-14, and we also present works in festivals every year in Canberra and nationally.”

Ruth says that it’s QL2’s “holistic” approach to dance that makes them unique.

“Our programs allow creativity, confidence, collaboration and true leadership to flourish,” she says.

QL2 Dance, Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon. Call 6247 3103 or visit ql2.org.au

Looking after dancers at a new location

WILSON Lo started Bruce Sports Medicine six years ago, but says he’s been practising in sports medicine for 22 years.

“We just moved our premises to a beautiful new building on the main street of Hall Village,” he says.

“I’ve worked with elite sporting teams for over two decades and find the multidisciplinary model of care is the ideal set up for an athlete with different practitioners communicating and coordinating rehabilitation.

“At the moment we offer consultations with myself and our sports doctor, Dr Tristyn Lowe, along with our physiotherapists David Parsons and Kwong Yan Cheung, Ryan Connell our exercise physiologist, Bianca Knight our sports podiatrist, Mari Harrison our dietitian and our visiting lower-limb orthopedic surgeon Dr Joe Lau.”

Wilson says the allied health professionals also run supervised small group rehabilitation classes in a custom fit rehabilitation gym for anyone with injuries, arthritis and recovering from surgery, and need help to get back to everyday life or to get back to their chosen sport.

“We all look after dancers of all descriptions either recreational or professional and I see dance as one of the most highly demanding sports,” he says.

“In my spare time I run a martial arts academy which performs as Canberra Dragon Dance, Canberra’s own professional Chinese lion and dragon dance team.

“In the very near future we will be expanding our services, so please watch this space!”

Bruce Sports Medicine, 9 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6253 5386, or visit brucesportsmedicine.com.au

Dancing for empowerment and confidence

KATY Eve, owner of The Brass Room, says she opened her own pole-dancing studio so she could teach the style she loved.

“It started slowly in 2015, but in 2016 we officially had our own studio,” she says.

“I love pole dancing, and in particular the sexy style. When I moved back to Canberra there weren’t many places doing that style, it was more fitness-based, so I started my own.

“We now have around 350 students and 23 instructors, and we’re always growing and learning, you can never know it all.”

Katy says she had a background in business and had worked in fitness previously, and having that experience helped.

“Now, the most important thing to me is seeing the confidence grow,” she says.

“Nerves are common, but knowing you’re in a beginner class helps, I want people to know you don’t have to be fit, you don’t already have to know how to dance, and you don’t have to be strong to start.

“I just love seeing beginners come in and their body language is quite unsure, and then after a lesson or two it’s like a completely different person.”

Katy says The Brass Room offers a variety of group classes, from beginner to elite, competition levels, as well as classes in pole flow and flexibility.

“We do offer one-on-one classes though if you’re really nervous,” she says.

The Brass Room, Unit 13/151-155 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick, or Sydney Building, Level 1/30 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra. Call 0413 083387, or visit thebrassroom.com.au

Fun way to get fit, socialise and compete

TEACHING a range of classic dance styles, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing offers a fun way to get fit, socialise and compete in a friendly environment, says owner Dale Harris.

“I have new adult classes that start on July 26, at 7pm,” she says.

“The classes will cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

“Junior classes will also recommence on July 20, from 5.30pm.

“Anyone can join. You can just rock up on the night and we can get you caught up. Everyone and anyone is welcome”.

Dale says she loves to welcome anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says.

“One of the great things about it is the fitness. You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing, you’re constantly on the move.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble. 

With more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, Dale started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing. 

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com