FOR more than one hundred and thirty years, Ballarat has been a one-eisteddfod city, but that\u2019s about to change.<\/p>\n
The inaugural Ballarat Ballet Eisteddfod will be staged in June this year at FedUni\u2019s Founders Theatre and performers of all ages are invited to compete across classical, neo classical, lyrical, demi-character, contemporary and jazz dance genres.<\/p>\n
Sallee Caldwell is treasurer of BBE, a not-for-profit organisation which has been established by a local group of friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s such a large dance community in Ballarat, but it is unusual that we\u2019ve only ever had one eisteddfod, so we decided we would start a new one,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all have children that dance, but all at different dance schools around Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur vision for the eisteddfod is for it to be fair and equitable, professional, but mainly enjoyable. We want people to feel welcome, included and inspired, whether they win or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two hundred dancers from across the city are expected to compete, from the seven and under age bracket, to 16 and over.<\/p>\n
Seventeen-year-old Tara McHenry is looking forward to stepping on stage at the eisteddfod in the jazz, contemporary, lyrical and neo sections.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really enjoy dancing and it\u2019s been a long time since we\u2019ve been able to go to comps because of COVID, so I\u2019m really looking forward to it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve missed competing with other dance schools and enjoy the chance to make new friendships with girls from outside Ballarat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Ballet Eisteddfod will be held from Saturday, 25 to Tuesday, 28 June. In covering their venue, operation, and adjudicator costs, BBE has been supported by a City of Ballarat Community Impact Grant.<\/p>\n