Eco Dancers: Stamping Out The Eco Footprint In Dance

Dynamic mother and entrepreneurial spirit Koby Elliott is taking dancewear to a new sustainable high with her environmentally friendly company, Eco Dancers. Along with her sister Samantha Whitford, and Ella Havelka, the first Indigenous person to be selected for The Australian Ballet, the three set out to produce cost-effective, high-quality dancewear that is friendly to the environment.

The company came into fruition in 2019 when Koby faced a request many mothers hear over their lifetime: “Mum, can I start dance lessons?”

And as one of the most popular pastimes young girls participate in nationwide, the request was almost expected. But little did Koby know when accepting this that she would be contributing to an ever-growing issue riddling our country.

Horrified to find out the most common dancewear, such as tutus and leotards, use metres of non-recyclable fabrics like nylon and polyester, Koby was determined to find a solution that would not contribute to landfill.

Consequently, Koby came up with an innovative company that is making strides in the dance world, working to create ethical alternatives. Eco Dancers produces effective and high-quality dance uniforms that are environmentally friendly and live up to the Academy of Dance’s approved exam-wear. With three women focused on the future of dance and the environment working hand in hand, their success was almost inevitable.

Today, Eco Dancers partners with dance schools and studios to create an eco-friendly alternative for the performing industry, with their goal to have at least 50 per cent of dancewear purchased globally to be made from recycled material by 2025. On top of this, the company supports and acts as a recycle place for old dancewear, offering outgrown pieces to be repurposed, and giving materials a new life and a new performance each time.

Koby, Ella and Samantha are a progressive force, offering a highly glamorised industry an avenue to consciously perform in a way that will assist our environment.

Written by CHARLOTTE LLOYD