If you weren’t trotted along to dance classes as a kid then the prospect of lighting up the dancefloor might seem a little intimidating. But much like painting, singing or filing a tax return, dancing is something that anyone can learn given the right instruction. And you can find that instruction at Footscray Community Arts Centre. FCAC wants to get you off the couch and into the dance studio with it’s Let’s Dance workshop series.
Want to have the best moves at Revs? Sign up for a hip hop class with Hena Memishi of not-for-profit L2R Dance. With a background in not just hip hop, but jazz and contemporary dance too, Memishi will get even those with two left feet kicking it to a soundtrack of ‘90s and ‘00s hip hop and R’n’B hits.
For something you can really let loose to, try an Afro-Colombian dance class with Karen Bravo. Set to the rhythmic sounds of drums, marimbas and shakers, Bravo will teach you the style of dance favoured by Pacific and Carribbean people of Colombia. This dynamic class is guaranteed to work up a sweat.
Live out your Billy Elliot fantasies with a contemporary ballet lesson. Jasmin Dwyer from the Australian Ballet Education team will take dancers through warm ups before teaching a series of movements inspired by both ballet and contemporary dance. Or perhaps you crave the glitz and glamour of Bollywood? In that case join Joshinder Chaggar’s Bollywood dance workshop and learn routines straight out of Mumbai.
At FCAC you can also learn dancehall – a style of dance that originated in Jamaica’s reggae and roots scene in the 1970s. Emeline Roukia’s dancehall class will get you moving just like Rihanna and Sean Paul. Finally, FCAC offers an Afrobeats dance class with Dagogo Obogo, where you can learn the rhythms and moves of West African street dancing.
You don’t need any prior experience to take part in FCAC’s Let’s Dance workshops, and prices start at $16 per class. For more information, visit the FCAC website.