Movement Zone Dance Studio in Castlemaine is set to send a talented dance crew to the Hollywood Bound Dance Competition in Sydney next month.
The August 15-18 event will be the crew’s very first competition.
The MZ Crew is a diverse regional dance group part of a vibrant and energetic community at Movement Zone.
The crew consists of seven dancers aged between 14 and 18 who have trained together for five to 10 years.
During this time, they have performed throughout central Victoria, showcasing their dynamic styles, including hip-hop, funk, contemporary dance and breakdancing.
Studio director Sarah ‘Sas’ Cook said the crew, which includes Cury Mountain, Callam Neilson Bridgfoot, Finn Girbon, Clarrisa Salvatore, Archie Cowan, Myah McDonald-Youl and Tully Paterson, were leaders in their dance community, consistently exceeding expectations in their roles at Movement Zone.
“They have actively engaged in various events—whether volunteering, assisting in classes, or advocating for the dance industry,” Sas said.
“Some members are now employed as teachers, training and inspiring the next generation of dancers.”
To make their dream a reality these inspiring young people have been working hard to raise funds for new uniforms and travel costs.
Crew members have organised and conducted three successful Kids Disco Party fundraisers at their Etty Street studio, and also held a barbecue fundraiser outside the Castlemaine newsagents last Saturday to raise funds for their campaign.
They have also set up a GoFundMe to help their cause.
“They would like to thank the community for all its support and in particular send a massive thank you to Rotary Castlemaine for donating $2k towards the trip. They are so very grateful,” Sas said.
Crew member Cury Mountain said she was excited but nervous about the competition.
“It will be really good to see the standard of dance at this sort of event and scope out what the competition is like and where we fit in,” she said.
Fellow crew member Finn Girbon said he couldn’t wait.
“It’s a rare opportunity to perform on a huge stage and show what a little country studio can do,” Finnn said.
“You don’t have to live in a big city to create exciting and fantastic dances. I think our routine is really coming together.
“This is a regional event and if we do well we will qualify for the Nationals in Queensland. If we impress there we could qualify to go to America. As they say, we’d be Hollywood Bound!”
With several of the dancers finishing school at the end of the year and going off to university and into the world this opportunity marks the end of an era for the tight knit local crew, and they look forward to making the most of every unforgettable moment.
If you’d like to make a donation towards the crew’s endeavours you can find their GoFundMe page at gofund.me/b363cb6a
