The dance festival is held over four days and brings visitors to Corowa from all over Australia, and New Zealand. Dancers who visited the area explored many local shops and restaurants in between dancing.
President Geoff Mallows said the local social dance scene is very strong with a mix of social and competition dancers.
“The dance festival here in Corowa could not be as successful as it is without the expertise of local dance teacher, Anthony Pepers from Rutherglen,” Mr Mallow said.
“The festival is the most popular event of its type in Australia.”
Festival guests were treated to delicious suppers with catering from Corowa Hockey Club, alongside the committee of 11 people working tirelessly to make the event a huge success.
Mr Mallow said local talented singer Dylan Forge entertained dancers with performances at the festival’s welcome dance.
“Dylan enjoys working with the committee to provide entertainment for the festival of dance, as it connects the crooning easy-listening music he loves with the challenge of dance music.”
This year the Corowa Festival of Dance Inc Committee presented Life Membership to four very deserving individuals, all of whom were involved in establishing the Corowa Festival of Dance as a feature social dance event in Corowa; Heather Jackson, Brenda Tuddenham, Andrea and John Barwick.
“Heather Jackson was a committee member of the inaugural Corowa Festival of Dance along with her late husband Barry,” Mr Mallows said. “Together they worked hard for many years to make the event a very successful dance festival, which is a reputation that is still enjoyed by the festival today.
“Heather has long a passion for all forms of dancing, she is a social butterfly, she still loves everything about dancing including frequent attendances at the regular social dancing nights.
“Brenda Tuddenham was a member of the inaugural Corowa Festival of Dance committee along with her late husband Ken.
“Brenda and Ken contributed many long hours of work the festival of dance, Ken hung the disco ball in the Memorial Hall, which is still used and enjoyed.
“Brenda is a creative genius, decorating the hall for social dancing creating magical dance experiences.
Andrea and John Barwick are renowned across the social dance world, most especially for dancing choreography.
“Most dancers love the New Vogue Modern Waltz which was the first dance choreographed by them to be a huge success, and it remains so today.
“They have for many years and continue to support social dancing, in many ways. Patricia Gilbert accepted the awards for John and Andrea Barwick.
“The committee would like to thank Yoga & Massage Therapist Julie Rooks took great care of those feet that needed massages to last the Festival. And a big thank you to our local businesses and individuals for their support and donations.
Corowa Festival of Dance holds social dance nights regularly, with dance classes on Wednesday nights which are suitable for all levels of experience.
