Get down at Groove is in the Park along the coast this summer

This summer, you will have the opportunity to groove along the NSW South Coast, shake off some of those isolation kilos and lift your spirits.

From Corrigans Beach to Narooma, Just Dance Eurobodalla is presenting Groove is in the Park, a series of five outdoor community dance events across the Eurobodalla Shire.

The events will be held in five locations from November 29 to January 24.

“During the past two years, we have witnessed the mental and physical health benefits our weekly dance gatherings in Moruya have had on the people who attend,” says the event’s co-organiser, Emily Dannock.

“We decided to put together a grant proposal to build on the existing structure of Just Dance so the broader community could participate and share these benefits.

“The summer bushfires have led to high levels of trauma and stress across our community, resulting in increased rates of anxiety, depression and drug and alcohol consumption.

“Our events provide a unique and healthy outlet for people managing these ongoing impacts caused by the fires.”

Groove is in the Park is partnering with the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber, Love the Bay campaign, Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club and See Change Physiotherapy to host the all-ages, drug-and-alcohol-free community events.

Just Dance Eurobodalla is a non-profit community group that shares a passion for movement, dance and connection.

Events are substance-free and provide a fun, friendly, positive and supportive environment for people to feel comfortable to express themselves through dance and movement without drugs or alcohol.

“We currently gather every Wednesday at the Red Door Hall in Moruya,” says co-organiser Jade Bridger. “We welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds and have been successfully hosting weekly sober dance gatherings in Moruya for nearly two years.

“With the numbers of participants increasing, there is potential for our unique events to be enjoyed on a larger scale by the wider community, which is why we are so excited to be putting on these events.

“All of our events will start with a welcome to country and a performance by local Indigenous dancers.

“We will also be having an ’80s dance aerobics instructor from Doofercise guide us through a few dances to get the party started.

“We also encourage participants to dress up from their favourite era – for example, ’60s swing, ’70s hippie, ’80s aerobics and ’90s pop. There will also be prizes from local businesses for best dressed.”

Each event is currently being promoted on the Just Dance Eurobodalla Facebook page. Attendees can register their place via the Eventbrite links found on each page.

All attendees will need to check in on the day via QR code and will need to maintain social distancing during the event.

“We hope our events will help encourage new friendships and support and strengthen existing relationships within the community,” says Emily. “They are an opportunity to provide hope and positivity by bringing the community together in an uplifting and supportive environment.

“Dancing lowers levels of stress and anxiety and improves heart health and muscle strength. Dancing also offers an easy and inclusive way for children and adults to connect.”

Groove is in the Park event program:

• Corrigan’s Beach Reserve, Batehaven: 29 November, 2020.
• Malua Bay Beach Park: 13 December, 2020.
• Jack Buckley Reserve, Tomakin: 27 December, 2020.
• Riverside Park, Moruya: 10 January, 2021.
• Nata Oval, Narooma: 24 January, 2021.