Get groovy to shake off stage three blues

A FIVE-week series of free, online dance classes is getting Shire residents of all ages off the couch, while promoting good mental health and wellbeing.

Facilitated by dance teacher, Karen Feldman, the Shake it Off tutorials on YouTube are suitable for people of all abilities, children and adults.

She said people can just log on, groove in their loungeroom and shake off their stresses and worries.

“This has come about because of the challenging environment we find ourselves in during stage three restrictions,” Ms Feldman said.

“The classes are for everybody. You don’t need to be a dancer to participate, it could just be something to get you moving.

“A lot of people in the community are really grieving the loss of their usual activities, whether that be a regular dance class, sport on the weekend or catching up with friends, so this brings people together, in a way that we can, and keeps everybody healthy.”

With 60 registered participants already, written and visual feedback about the classes has been positive, from people living in diverse areas of the Shire.

“The response was fantastic from people letting us know, and we’ve also asked people to send in videos or photos of them rehearsing,” Ms Feldman said.

“We’ve received a couple of pearlers. There’s a video of a family on a farm doing the first week’s dance, which was really exciting, amongst other videos that have come in.

“That’s a great way for us to see what everybody’s up to and how they’re really enjoying the project.”

Classes are 20 to 30 minutes each, and it’s not too late to get involved. Ms Feldman said those keen and wanting a challenge, could even complete all the sessions in one day, once they’re all live in a couple of weeks.

To coincide with the upcoming Mental Health Week, all registered participants will unite for one final Zoom class to practice before the creation of a compilation video, edited together to share with the community.

Register your interest by emailing [email protected].