Rave about Arts

Doing an Acrobatic Happy Dance

With Hopetoun Dance Group

We like dance in the Shire of Ravensthorpe, we really really do. We have a great history of making artistic things happen in our tiny shire, and with a population of 2500 spread over 4 townships, sometimes making things happen can take a bit of coordination and a whole lot of passion.

The Hopetoun Dance group was born an idea between two Mums with a passion for health and vitality. It began in 2014 with a highly successful 'dance taster workshop' and 4 years later the program enrolls an average of 40 children per school term who partake in weekly dance classes. Supported by Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council, the weekly dance classes have provided a creative after school activity that children residing in remote communities often miss out on. Further more the ongoing nature of the program creates a meeting hub for like minded parents.

In a recent bonus opportunity, children were invited to take part in an Acrobatic & Circus Workshop in March 2017. Additional to the weekly dance classes which currently covers Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance, 50 students between the ages of 4 and 12 partook in learning new acrobatic skills and tricks in a safe engaging environment amongst their peers. Partnering with Southern Edge Arts in Albany for this workshop has enabled local children to continue their passion in 'acro' whilst that particular component of dance is currently unavailable in the weekly classes.

During the Acro workshops the children learnt a variety of skills including ker-flops, bouncy leggers, roly polys, and upside downies, obviously not the technical terms. On a more serious note, the focus of circus and acrobatics is to encourage strength and confidence in many areas including team skills and trust. Workshop opportunities like these spark imagination in young people, invoke emotional health and well being in the community and excellence and creativity in all forms.

For more information on Hopetoun Dance Groups classes email Beck & Kristin at hopetoundancegroup@gmail.com or check out their dedicated Facebook page "Hopetoun Dance Group".

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest.