Dancenorth has announced that all Community Experience classes will be offered free of charge throughout 2025 in celebration of its 40th anniversary. This incredible opportunity invites everyone to experience the joy and transformative power of dance, regardless of prior experience or background. "At the heart of Dancenorth’s ethos is a very firmly-held belief that every human being – regardless of age, experience, physical ability or income – should be able to access the transformative power of dance,” says Co-CEO Hillary Coyne.
Dancenorth's Community Experience program is built on a philosophy of invitation, permission, and exchange, aiming to dismantle barriers to dance and connect people through movement. This initiative underscores Dancenorth’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement, truly embodying their mission to build local, national, and international connections and resilience through dance for all to thrive. As Ms. Coyne explains, "For four decades we’ve been working to dismantle the idea that you have to be ‘good’ at dance to take part in it, and our Community Experience offerings invite people to explore how it feels to dance, not just how it looks.”
Dancenorth offers a diverse range of weekly and monthly classes across various locations in Townsville (Gurambilbarra, Thul Garrie Waja, and Thuringowa Central). From gentle movement to invigorating contemporary dance, the program caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. This breadth of offerings highlights Dancenorth’s understanding of the diverse needs and desires of its community. "Our classes range from Creative Movement Classes for Kids and Dancespace for young adults to Still Dancing, which is geared toward an older crowd who might need a little more time to move,” says Community Experience Coordinator Jordan Galliott. Here's a glimpse of what's on offer:
- Still Dancing: A weekly class in Gurambilbarra (Townsville City).
- Vital Dance: A weekly class in Thul Garrie Waja (Wulguru).
- Dance For Absolute Beginners: A weekly class in Gurambilbarra (Townsville City).
- Contemporary Dance Class: A weekly class in Gurambilbarra (Townsville City).
- Every Body Dance: A monthly class in Thul Garrie Waja (Douglas).
- Creative Movement Classes for Kids: A weekly class in Gurambilbarra (Townsville City).
- Dancespace: A weekly class in Gurambilbarra (Thuringowa Central).
These classes, led by experienced dance artists, provide a supportive and inclusive environment for participants to explore their movement potential. As Galliott notes, "Vital Dance is a seated dance class specifically for people affected by Parkinson’s; our monthly Every Body Dance workshops are designed for people with disability and people who are d/Deaf; Dance for Absolute Beginners is ideal for people who just want to feel confident doing a simple pub two-step; and Contemporary Dance class is suited to those who want to come shake off the work week.” Importantly, she adds, “All of our classes are run as drop-in classes, so people can come and go as they please without fear of falling behind if they have to miss a few weeks because life gets busy.” Dancenorth is welcoming all to to join the celebration.
Beyond the free classes, Dancenorth's Community Experience program offers a rich array of experiences and participation opportunities, including workshops, performances, and community collaborations. This holistic approach to community engagement demonstrates Dancenorth’s dedication to fostering a vibrant arts scene in Townsville. Learn more about their work with diverse communities, regional tours, and special events like the International Day of People with Disability celebrations on their website.