The Illawarra and South Coast dance community are putting their competitive natures aside to come together in memory of Kirsten Djumlija who lost her battle to cancer a month ago.
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Mrs Djumlija was known for her tireless efforts along with her husband to organise dance competitions and eisteddfods including the Nowra Stage Dance Festival usually run during the September school holidays.
This year’s concert was scheduled to also raise funds for the Cancer Council as organised by Kirsten, but sadly she passed away on September 21 and the event was postponed.
That’s when several dance teachers decided the show must go on, and rallied to get the event up and running for October 25th at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.
On Sunday dancers from 20 schools along the coast aged from eight to 18 will perform in solo’s, duo’s and groups in a variety of styles like jazz, hip hop and ballet. Local bowel cancer survivor Jodie Lee will also be giving a motivational speech.
Kirstens husband Bruno said he was overwhelmed with the amount of support and felt very humbled.
“She’d just be very grateful,” he said. “Just the kindness and generosity of people without anything in return.”
Head of Fairy Meadow’s Joanne Grace School of Dance, Joanne Grace-Morgan, said she was also overwhelmed.
“Normally we come together in a competitive arena,” said Ms Grace-Morgan. “What’s really special is we're coming together to use our art form for a good cause where trophies aren’t involved and we can just perform because that’s what we love to do.”
Owner of the South Coast Institute of Performing Arts Nirvana James remembers Mrs Djumlija as a big supporter of kids having the opportunity to perform.
“She really loved to see the children dancing and enjoying what they were doing up there on the stage,” she said. “It’s a really positive reflection of what is at the core of the dance community - that is, the sense of support and encouragement.”
Shine Bright… Do It For Cancer, IPAC Sunday 2pm.
Money raised will go to the Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer fund.
Dance schools involved:
Dance factor
IDance
VPA Studios
KazzaJazz
SCIPA
Shine Performance Studios
Joanne Grace School Of Dance
Vanessa Lee Dance Academy
House of PA
AP Performers
Tara Becker School Of Dance
KRS dance
NRG Studios
Academy of Performing Arts Macarthur
JL Dance
Amanda Lee
DanceWorld
Wollongong High School of The Performing Arts
Music Makers Disability Group
All That Jazz Dance Company
