The EnergyAustralia Moe Dance Eisteddfod will see record-breaking numbers of dancers from across Gippsland and beyond leap, pirouette and step-ball-change on a bigger stage this year.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the coveted event will move from the Moe Town Hall to the Lowanna Secondary College Auditorium to accommodate 302 dancers eager to showcase an array of talent.
From 27 March to 1 April, the dancers from 29 schools in areas including Traralgon, Moe, Morwell, Warragul, Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and South Melbourne will bring the stage to life.
Styles will range from classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, song and dance, hip hop and improvisation.
Eisteddfod Committee President Anna McKenzie said EnergyAustralia’s sponsorship for more than a decade has allowed the event to grow.
“EnergyAustralia’s support over the years has given us the confidence to make decisions like moving the eisteddfod to Lowanna Secondary College’s Auditorium,” Mrs McKenzie said.
“This eisteddfod is a really important event for the Gippsland community because it gives local children an opportunity to build their confidence and physical development through dance performance, which they may not otherwise get living in a regional area.”
EnergyAustralia’s sponsorship goes towards venue hire, technicians, cleaning and prizes for various championship sections of the eisteddfod.
EnergyAustralia Community Partnerships Coordinator Meredith Bowden said EnergyAustralia is focused on supporting local initiatives like the eisteddfod that nurture youth engagement and development.
“Many Gippslanders look forward to the EnergyAustralia Moe Dance Eisteddfod every year, whether they’re performing or in the audience,” Mrs Bowden said.
“It’s a wonderful event that EnergyAustralia is proud to sponsor, and it’s so rewarding to be able to help the eisteddfod grow year upon year.”
Eisteddfod-goers can also look forward to some quality judging over the six days of competition, with former Yinnar local Brendan Yeates taking a break from choreographing popular stage musical Matilda and Lydia Cagney-Morris, who has extensive experience as a dance teacher, choreographer and adjudicator, adjudicating.