Andrew Mathieson
A SELLOUT crowd for the inaugural Geelong Classic Dancesport Festival has forced organisers to consider moving the event to a bigger venue.
More than 500 spectators packing into Moolap’s Club Italia last Saturday to watch some of Australia’s top ballroom dancers have overwhelmed organisers.
Dancesport Victoria took control of Geelong’s premier event after recent attempts to launch similar ballroom dancing in the city struggled to gain groundswell support.
Organiser Pam Courts said Geelong’s Arena was already one option.
“We will go back there (to Club Italia) next year, but we will have to eventually look for a much bigger venue,”
“That will definitely be in the future.”
She said the crowd figures far exceeded expectations, but no one missed out on a ticket.
Adults paid $28 for a table seat, $18 for general admission and $12 for children.
“I would say we were to capacity,” Mrs Courts said.
“So probably the seating will have to change.
“I thought it was a bit crowded having all the tables and then the seating behind them.”
Most of the leading competitors were from Melbourne, but she said Geelong produced a “big contingent”.
The festival featured 60 singles entries and 80 registered “competitive” couples over five age categories in standard, new vogue and Latin.
She also said the schools team challenge added to the success.
“Everyone was saying it won’t work and they have all been quite shocked,” she said.
Out & about
Independent photographer Louisa Jones headed to the Geelong waterfront on Cup day to see who was enjoying the sunshine and warmish weather.
