Dance eisteddfod shines spotlight on more than 500 performances

Gunnedah Dance Eisteddfod had another successful program as last week tallied more that 520 performances at The Civic.

The four days saw a diverse range of routines with classical to hip hop sections with dancers aged from 6 to 18-plus.

Dance schools from Tamworth, Mudgee, Dubbo, Narrabri and Gunnedah were well represented across the different sections.

Co-convenor Mel McCulloch said the events had run smoothly and received positive feedback from participants.

“Everyone had a really good weekend,” Mel said.

She said even the adjudicator, Kristy Mansfield, had reported her appreciation for the weekend’s events.

“She said it’s so nice coming to country eisteddfods because everyone’s so warm and welcoming and she had a really good time … which is really nice,” Mel said.

“Some of the students from Gunnedah would help backstage and [Kristy] said she really doesn’t see that in the metropolitan area.

“It’s such a lovely thing when the kids help [behind the scenes] and other students.

“Particularly the little ones, they make them feel comfortable and help them get on stage.”

Kristy noted there was some emerging talent in the area.

The adjudicator runs a dance school in Maitland but also has a plethora of experience as an adjudicator.

She specialises in tap and started her own dance career in the genre at four years old.

Co-conveners Mel McCulloch and Cheryl Hofman will be looking to pass on the spotlight next year after spending three years in the position.