Dancing with space to spare

Two recreation reserve lighting projects listed in Baw Baw Shire’s draft budget will go ahead with the announcement of state government funding.

Improved lighting at Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserves were listed in council’s draft budget but both projects were dependent on external funding.

The state government last week announced a $250,000 grant towards the two projects from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s community facilities fund.

Total cost of the works will be $425,000 with council contributing $175,000.

The new oval lighting will see installation of four new 100 lux sports lighting towers and associated works at both the Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserves.

Mayor Danny Goss said the new sports lighting will bring the ovals in line with AFL lighting standards and allow clubs to train and play in a safer, well-lit environment and improve flexibility to take training and matches into the evening.

The project will be delivered following the tender award, with all works due for completion by mid-2021.

After a challenging term of dancing in bedrooms and lounge rooms with online instruction, local dancers are returning to the studio.

Kristy Monk of Industry Studios in Warragul reopened in the last week of term two and held some classes over the school holidays as restrictions lifted.

It followed a term of Zoom classes to keep dancers moving and the business in operation.

“It was really challenging,” said Kristy. “The novelty wore off really fast.”

Fun was a priority for online classes, with small space choreography, props and dressups incorporated. However, she admitted the final weeks proved difficult as “Zoom fatigue” set in.

“Online was challenging but it did keep us connected in one way and it kept us moving in a way. It was pretty hard core to go through.”

Kristy was thrilled when news filtered through that the studio could reopen with dance playing an important role in the physical and mental wellbeing of her students.

Under current restriction, dancers under 18 are not required to physically distance and adult classes will be reduced to 10 people.

Although enrolments dropped during term two, Kristy hoped to attract new and returning students.

“Hopefully this term a majority come back,” she said. “But we may reopen with half of what we had in term one.”

Asked what they were most looking forward to in term three, students Nea Davis and Holly Martin agreed seeing their friends and having the space to dance would be top of the list.

“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and teaching again,” said Kristy. “Just seeing everyone, I’m super excited.”