“CityNews” gets in the swing of some of the Canberra region’s best music and dance activities on offer.

Whether just starting out, a seasoned professional, looking to get back into an old hobby, or start a new one, there are plenty of music groups and dance troupes in Canberra to explore, and plenty of venues and shows to attend for inspiration. 

No matter the instrument, style or skill level, there’s an artist in Canberra ready to share their skills, some of whom have spent decades building their knowledge and passion for music and dance.

Stepping confidently on to the dance floor

Dancing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, but Dale Harris, owner of Dale’s Ballroom, says she can help even the most timid of dancers. 

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance, including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble, and has more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance.

Dale says dance classes are a great opportunity to keep children entertained, but are also perfect for adults looking to engage in a new social activity this winter.

The seven-week dance course for adults is open again, and Dale encourages anyone to come and learn, regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says, with adult classes on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm, and junior classes every Thursday from 5pm.

She says classes cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

“It is also a great time to enrol in the medal classes, as competitions begin in November, allowing a solid semester to practise and prepare,” says Dale.

For those preparing for a wedding, or special event, Dale says private classes are also available.

“We do private classes by appointment and we can accommodate choreographing a dance for your own routine, to the music you have chosen,” she says.

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

Mid-year programs offer music for all ages and abilities

Music for Canberra creates vibrant spaces, where adults and children can be involved in an inspiring and inclusive music experience, says general manager Michael Favreau.

Tutors at Music for Canberra are experienced musicians and educators who are passionate about spreading the joy of music, he says.

This term, Michael says they are launching two new programs designed to engage and provide enjoyable learning experiences for all, Instant Family Band, and Drum Circle for Joy.

But, Michael says it doesn’t stop there – from young string players just starting out, to more experienced players, there are countless opportunities. 

Adolescents and young adults can join the Canberra Youth Orchestra, which he says gives players a chance to develop their orchestral skills, or Music for Canberra has ukulele and guitar groups. 

Free trials are available for any program, and the choir program for young singers feeds into the Canberra Children’s Choir.

The Mixed Abilities Program, designed for people living with a disability, is a weekly music session assisting in creativity and the development of social skills.

For the first time, Michael says Music for Canberra will be offering family discounts, 20 per cent for the first additional child or program, and 10 per cent for each subsequent child or program.

“We have designed new and updated existing programs in response to feedback we’ve received from our community,” he says.

“While Music for Canberra has always offered great experiences, we are particularly proud of our mid-year 2024 programs.”

Music For Canberra, Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon. Call 6182 0030 or visit musicforcanberra.org.au

Singing, dancing and old-fashioned fun

Nice Work If You Can Get It is a silly, fun and entertaining jukebox musical of George and Ira Gershwin songs, says director Dave Smith.

“It’s a throwback to old-school-style musicals, where there’s a lot of singing and dancing and a lot of very silly comedy, which is very light-hearted,” he says.

Set during the prohibition era in the 1920s, Dave says Nice Work If You Can Get It guarantees a night of enjoyment.

“It’s just entertainment, which is, I think, what is missing in a lot of shows more recently,” he says.

“They try and deal with society’s issues, and this doesn’t try to do that. This is just a really great night out and an enjoyable show.” 

Tickets for the show, which runs November 1-10, are on sale, and Dave says attending is a great way to support the local arts scene.

“Queanbeyan Players gives people opportunities to learn how to build a set, or be part of a band or an orchestra, depending on the show,” he says. 

“We don’t have a professional scene in Canberra, so this gives people an opportunity to perform and to hone their skills. 

“We have a range of performers, ex-Canberran performers, who are now performing professionally due to the training that they got when they were here.”

Queanbeyan Players, 18 Barrow Place, Queanbeyan East. Visit queanbeyanplayers.com/nice-work-if-you-can-get-it

The soul of the inner south music scene

The Wesley Music Centre is a top class venue for classical chamber music, says director Liz McKenzie. 

She says the Wesley Music Centre welcomes local, national and international performers, and is also dedicated to supporting talented young people who are on their way to a career in music.

“We support young musicians through both our Wesley Music Scholars program and the ACT Organ School,” she says. 

“We love being part of the Canberra music community and we also love supporting young musicians in the early stages of their careers.”

For those wanting to attend a show, Liz says the Wesley Music Centre events calendar always has lots on, such as The Oriana Chorale concert, Flight, which will be performed on July 27, from 5pm to 6.30pm. 

There is also a lunchtime concert every wednesday, at the Wesley Music Centre, from 12.40pm to 1.20pm, she says.

For the full events calendar and details for upcoming performances, Liz says to visit their website, which also has venue hire information.

The Wesley Music Centre has been a central part of the local music scene since its opening in 2002, Liz says, and encourages all music lovers to come and be a part of the magic.

Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest. Call 6232 7248 or wesleymusiccanberra.org