Sights set on Torquay Swing

A group of friends who love to dance are taking their passion to the masses and need the Surf Coast communities help to do it.

Marta Ferenczi from the newly formed dance group Seaside Swing said they’re currently relying on sourcing free venues for classes and were hosting a fundraiser to help secure their own.

“We’re a group of friends that get together and love dance, we decided we wanted to run our own classes and workshops. At the beginning of the year we put our heads together and started thinking how we could do it,” Ms Ferenczi said

“We formed a committee and we’ve done quite a lot of pop-up dances and arranged people to go to Melbourne together for classes but now we want to be able to do our own big social events and lessons.

“At this stage we’re facing barriers of not having public insurance. We’ve been relying on free venues and the amazing support of 1929 Studios. Hiring halls around the Torquay area is much cheaper for community groups if they have their own insurance.”

Ms Ferenczi said for insured groups it costs approximately $13 per hour compared to $340 a night to hire as a function room so needed to raise roughly around $400 to get it sorted.

“Without a legal set-up we can’t provide classes which we would love to have back on our beautiful coast. For that we need to legally set up a not-for-profit community group which includes an ABN, name registration and public dance insurance,” she said.

“We calculated all the costs and need $400 so we’ve organised a FUNdraising event. The party will include a beginner tester class from 6-6.30pm, an all level lindy hop class from 6.30-7.30pm, performances, photo booth and social dancing until 10pm as well as baked goods.

“The event is supported by 1929 Studios, a vintage dance school from Melbourne and the suggested donation is $25 (cash only).”

The event will take place at the Torquay Senior Citizens Club located at 16 Price Street Torquay on May 5 from 7.30pm onwards.

For more information go to facebook.com/seasideswing.au.