May, 2021

Victorian Dance Festival (VDF) is a two day intensive that provides dancers with classes varying in  all styles of dance taught by teachers from not only Melbourne but across the world. This event is  the perfect opportunity to work with new teachers amongst a huge crowd of eager, determined  and like minded individuals. Each year, the Victorian Dance Festival comes to a close with a  showcase that involves a number of schools from across Melbourne. In 2019, KADS were lucky  enough to be performing at the VDF showcase for the first time amongst a large number of full  time dance schools, companies and fellow suburban dance schools. We had so much fun  performing in the showcase that in 2020 we had begun another routine with all intentions of  participating again.  

Unfortunately, due to COVID, VDF 2020 was put on hold with no definitive answer as to when it  would be going ahead. This was devastating news for all dancers, schools and the organisers  involved in running the event. Despite the unfortunate turnout of VDF 2020, everyone waited  patiently for any update that would allow an event such as this to go ahead again. Eventually our  patience paid off and in late 2020/ early 2021 all dance schools across Victoria were delighted to  hear that we would have the opportunity to be back performing on stage in VDF’s showcase  entitled ‘Ignite’. This showcase was organised with the intention of welcoming the dance and  performance scene back to Melbourne, a brilliant idea following the troubling year we had all  endured. Of course, upon hearing this news, KADS were more than ready to prepare a routine and  perform on stage to an audience for the first time in over a year.  

With the hard work of Saturday morning teacher, Kim Adam and the dancers in the elite jazz and  lyrical class including myself, Khealee Kidman, Cassandra Faundez, Carli - Mai Beary, Lachlan  Bastin, Ali Stewart and Charlotte Link Freeman, a high energy jazz routine to Tainted Love by Soft  Cell was brought to life.  

This routine was one that we all felt extremely passionate about. Kim’s jazz routines have always  provided a great challenge for us. Her detailed transitions, arm lines and intricate movements  helped set us apart and ensure that KADS made a great and lasting impression.  To perform on stage again felt euphoric. There was a evident nervous energy leading up to our  performance but as soon as we were on stage together again we truly felt at home. The audience  reception was brilliant and the feedback following was nothing less of that also. Our routine was  described as unique and strong by all.  

In the coming months, KADS will be performing at many more festivals, competitions and  showcases. We as a studio cannot wait for these opportunities to continue arising and to get back  to doing what we love most. Performing. :)