Best year yet for Bodies in Motion family

DANCE SCHOOL

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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The 2022 end-of-year-show marked the seventh year in a row of sell out audiences. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School

Our Shire’s one and only “dance family” - also known as Bodies in Motion Dance School - has had a fruitful 2022 with more student enrolments than ever. And with many exciting events to look forward to in 2023 the horizon is looking bright.

Principal of Bodies in Motion, Saskia Williams, looks back on 2022 with a lot of pride.

“We squeezed so much into the dancing year and accomplished some amazing things together as a studio”, she told Newsport.

“I know I say it every year, but it really was our best year yet and 2023 is shaping up to be even bigger and better.”

Record number adult enrolments

Bodies in Motion currently offers over 60 classes and consists of just under 300 performers aged from 2.5 years to 80 plus years.

The enrolment numbers at the dance school have increased once again after the Covid close-down saw a dramatic drop of students.

“In the past year we’ve had a record number of adult enrolments and offered eight classes a week just for adults”, Ms Williams said.

Last year the dance school also saw the introduction of the "Ballet for Seniors" program to the timetable.

“The classes for seniors have become extremely popular. The ladies really enjoy meeting new friends and the social side of the program. Something we believe is imperative to positive mental health outcomes as people age.”

End of Year Production

The dance school ended 2022 with a bang as the End of Year Production sold out for the 7th year in a row.

Titled “On Broadway” the show was a huge success with over 1000 audience members coming to watch.

"The story line followed five hopeful performers wanting to audition to be on Broadway,” Ms Williams explained.

“Their director, played by lead dancer Evie Cotton, asked them to research famous Broadway productions in preparation of the audition.”

Lead dancer of 2022, Evie Cotton, said it was an incredible experience to be a main character in the show.

“The show was just the cherry on top of the cake when I think back of all the highlights over the past year”, she said.

“The culture at BIM truly is like no other. Students are nurtured and supported by an incredibly supportive team of passionate teachers.

“Being both a student and an assistant teacher I have been exposed to the commitment of the BIM teaching staff that go above and beyond.”

A full 2023 calendar

It will be a busy but exciting year for the studio with many competitions and shows on the calendar.

“Our competition team has already started working on their 2023 routines,” Ms Williams said.

“We plan to enter six regional competitions and also take a team to Brisbane this year for the International Dance Awards.”

Another exciting prospect is the involvement of multiple BIM dancers in the Clink Theatre production of the Addams Family.

This also marks Ms Williams 8th production as choreographer with the Clink.

“The production is a family friendly, hilarious musical that I’m sure will be another raving success at the Clink,” Ms Williams said.

“It is a big commitment being choreographer for these shows. Juggling my BIM commitments Monday to Saturday and then allocating time on Sundays for rehearsals at the theatre with the cast. But very rewarding!”

Join the family

This weekend, on Saturday 28 January, the dance school will be holding an open day for all new and prospective students.

“The open day is an opportunity to come and look at our facilities and meet our dance family”, Ms Williams said.

“At BIM, dance means more to us than just a hobby or a sport. The studio is our second home and our classmates and teachers are our second family.”

End-of-year-show 2022. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School
End-of-year-show 2022. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School
End-of-year-show 2022. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School
End-of-year-show 2022. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School
End-of-year-show 2022. Picture: Bodies in Motion Dance School

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