Nikki’s off Broadway for Warralily Christmas spectacular

ONE performer won’t be showing any signs of stage fright at the Warralily Christmas Spectacular on December 9, with local dance teacher, singer and Broadway performer Nikki Menzel leading the new Warralily choir.

Fresh off a year working in New York at the Broadway Dance Centre, Nikki’s had massive opportunities performing at different venues alongside many stars, including Beyoncé, the girls from Dance Moms and Maddie Ziegler from the Sia “Chandelier” film clip.

“She’s (Maddie) pretty phenomenal and quite inspiring to dance with,” Ms Menzel said.

“New York was definitely a highlight, there’s so much inspiration and it really is just like in the movies.”

She previously trained for three and a half years at Richmond’s Dance Factory, and also has a diploma in dance teaching management.

Now she runs her own dance school, which she’s expanded to Warralily.

“It’s such a great community and family friendly atmosphere. The dance parents absolutely love it. The playgrounds and the extra lengths they go to – like the Christmas spectacular – there’s a real community that’s hard to find anywhere else in Geelong.”

Practice for the new Warralily choir started on November 1 with plenty of interest from the general community, from those who haven’t sung before to those who have some experience, reaching from Barwon Heads to Torquay.

The songs performed will depend on the final group of singers, but Ms Menzel is set on some upbeat Christmassy themes.

“I’m trying to look for something that’s a little bit different, so it’s fun for everyone,” she said.

The call for singers has been put out on social media and is open to all; even Ms Menzel’s mum is joining the show.

The event will be brimming with market stalls, food vendors, entertainment, a Santa appearance, local school music acts and activities for all ages.

The Warralily Christmas Spectacular will run from 4-8pm at Mirambeena Park, W Boulevard, Armstrong Creek.

For more information, head to warralily.com.au/what-s-on/events.