THE South Gippsland Annual Dance Eisteddfod began on July 22 until July 24, at the Mesley Hall in Leongatha, with performances from dancers across 15 dance schools in the community.

President Carley Nelson welcomed adjudicator Donna Lierse to judge the weekend competition that included performances in contemporary, ballet, song and dance, tap, jazz and demi character. 

“Friday and Saturday included solos, duos and trio’s and Sunday were all group performances from ages six years and over all the way up to 15 years and over,” said Carley.

“It has been two long years without our eisteddfod, and it is wonderful to welcome our students back to the stage, our eisteddfod isn’t about the competition, rather about participation.”

The South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod is in its 13th year, with 2022 being the 11th year on stage after two years of students learning online due to the interruption of classes during lockdowns.

“Despite the disruption of class time, our students have returned this year with confidence and enthusiasm, thrilled to step back onto the stage and showcase their love for dance,” said Carley. 

Although the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod is grateful for the support from Creative Victoria and the South Gippsland Shire, they are too feeling the lack of support for performing arts within the community. 

Nelson explained that funding is continually going into grassroot sporting facilities and clubs, and the arts sector is forever missing out, having to hold large events in small, outdated and spoiled facilities that miss out on financial support.

“We would like to raise awareness that performing arts is a huge sector that brings in hundreds of families from all around Melbourne and regional Victoria, and it would be nice to be able to welcome

our children into better facilities to perform,” said Carley. 
“The stages are too small; our roofs are leaking in the winter weather and the lack of financial support to repair these facilities for arts is disappointing.” 

The South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod is aiming to work in collaboration with the shire and or state government, to achieve better facilities for their students and families. 

For more information on the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod, email hello@sgde.org.au