NEWS DESK
Stepping out on the urban dance stage THIRTY young dancers are performing cameo roles in the Rye-based theatre show. The Humanimals. The show is on at Jason Coleman’s Cabaret Cathedral, a purpose built urban theatre on Rye foreshore. The teenagers appear in 10 shows alongside international dancers and performers. Coleman, a dancer, choreographer and director who grew up in Rosebud, says he is determined to ensure he “pays it forward’ when it comes to nurturing the passions and skills of other young dancers”. “I grew up here, [and know] you can’t just jump on a tram to see the latest show or wander by a performance. It’s hard for your parents to commit to getting you to town to shows,” he says. “I want to help kids who love to dance really have a unique experience, so that they can feel confident and supported. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities I had as a young kid from the ‘burbs. If I was starting out again, I’d love this. But I’d got to say, these kids are also really, really talented.” Peninsula School of Dance director Melanie Gard is ecstatic about the opportunity Coleman has offered her students. “To be in a professional show is a dream come true for young dancers, and to have it here on our doorstep has us all pinching ourselves,” Gard said. “I am so grateful for Jason’s generosity and the doors this has opened up for our students. They’re working with the talent behind the choreography of the Sydney Olympics’ opening ceremony and the judge on So You Think you Can Dance. “This is an unforgettable experience, and they are taking it all in with joy and commitment.” Gard said Coleman had given Ministry of Dance summer school scholarships to Emily Williams, Jacob Kelly, Julia Gregory, Karis Richmond and Lachlan Clue enabling them to attend a week-long dance workshop in Melbourne. Gard said a former Peninsula School of Dance student has completed a Cairns tour with Coleman’s last show and now works on the show as wardrobe mistress, while three other students are working as ushers. Humanimals is at the Cabaret Cathedral, corner Dundas St and Point Nepean Rd, Rye, until the end of January. Andrea Rowe
Award adds to support for playgroup SCRIBBLES Supported Playgroup at Seawinds Community Hub has won the Playgroup Victoria Supported Playgroup of the Year award. Children, parents and playgroup facilitators celebrated the achievement last week. Supported playgroups aim to assist parents develop the skills and confidence to support their children’s learning and development. Mornington Peninsula Shire has received an annual grant to assist local
supported playgroups since 2009, and is in partnership with community agencies, including Community Health, Anglicare, Good Shepherd and Family Life. Families are invited to join through referral. Scribbles is co-facilitated by the shire and Family Life, a service organisation working to transform lives for stronger communities. Creating Capable Communities community development coordinator
Aly Madden said Family Life offered services to children, young people and families. “We have been co-facilitating Scribbles Playgroup for more than three years for families who reside in Rosebud West and Tootgarook,” she said. “The playgroup has provided families an opportunity to develop friendships, establish social support networks and learn new skills and we congratulate everyone at Scribbles on the fantastic award.”
Shire child youth and family care acting manager Louise Wilkins said playgroups provided valuable opportunities for children to learn and develop through play. “They foster and develop children’s language and motor skills, expose children to sensory experiences and enhance social skills,” she said. “Supported playgroups and parent groups also create opportunities for parents to meet in a safe and supportive environment and learn new skills,
develop social networks and build linkages to other services.” Families benefiting from a supported playgroup environment include those with health or developmental needs, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, indigenous families and families who are disadvantaged. Participation in supported playgroups is primarily by referral. Families interested in playgroups can call Kerry on 5950 1632 or visit the shire website: mornpen.vic.gov.au
WHAT’S ON AT THE ROSEBUD RSL ATTENTION ALL BRAINIACS!!! DO YOU WANT TO PROVE YOUR SMARTS?
MONDAY NIGHT 7.30pm
NIGHT AT 7:30PM IN THE DIGGERS BAR
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D ROSEBU
RSL
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TRIVIA NIGHT
THURSDAY NIGHT 7.30 FRIDAY 11.30am & 1pm SATURDAY 11.30am & 1.30pm
BUDGET BUSTER LUNCH EVERY TUESDAY
$10 for Members $11 for Visitors Choice between 2 different
PRIZE GIVEAWAYS
meals with a FREE drink (beer/ wine or soft drink)
117 EASTBOURNE ROAD, ROSEBUD PHONE: 5986 1066 Southern Peninsula News 19 January 2016
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