Performing arts studio to celebrate anniversary with gala fundraiser

A number of young singers, dancers and musical theatre enthusiasts from one Moreton Bay performing arts studio will delight audiences with their array of talents this weekend as they gather to celebrate a big milestone.

Melissa Mataic, the Director of Red Music and Dance at Rothwell, has invited all former and current students and their families to attend a gala evening on Saturday in celebration of her studio’s 10^th birthday.

The evening will feature an array of entertaining performances, as well as food platters, wine, raffles, an auction, and a disco.

Melissa says the night will be a fun way to bring the creative arts community together.

“We are a real community-based studio that welcomes everyone to come along and join the fun,” Melissa says.

“COVID meant we couldn’t host several of our regular events, so our 10^th birthday is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come along and meet not only the teachers and the people mentoring their children, but also their children’s friends and their parents in a fun and relaxed environment.

“I am also really excited about welcoming back many of my past students.

“They were all quite young when I first met them – around 12-years-old – and now they are in their early 20s.

“I know a lot of them are looking forward to meeting the current students and sharing their own experiences and what they have done since their time here with us.”

All guests on the evening will be entertained with multiple performances including routines from past students and current Eisteddfod dance teams and singers.

Melissa, who is also a vocal coach, has been teaching for more than 23 years, including 16 years on the peninsula.

Raising money for aspiring performers

Money raised from the birthday celebrations through ticket sales will go towards supporting a number of young performers to attend various events and workshops over the coming year.

“One of our dance troupes is heading down to the Gold Coast to dance at Dreamworld in September,” Melissa says.

“When COVID put a pause on dance groups heading overseas and dancing at places like Disneyland, Dreamworld stepped up and said how about we offer our Australian dance kids a similar experience without having to leave the country.

“For us, being asked to dance at Dreamworld is very exciting.

“The kids who will be heading down to the Gold Coast will also get to do some training at a big dance school and perform at a number of community performances.

“Having that tour experience will be a good learning opportunity for the kids, and we don’t even have to jump on a plane to fly anywhere.”

In addition, Red Music and Dance will also send a crew of around 20 kids to the Junior Theatre Festival in Newcastle this October.

“This event is part of the Australian leg of a worldwide program that is a celebration of musical theatre,” Melissa explains.

“We have been wanting to be a part of this for a long time but we couldn’t because of COVID, so this is our first time attending.

“The kids are looking forward to meeting the professional team and connecting with other kids from around the country who are passionate about the same things they are.”

The kids will perform a 10-minute adaptation of a licenced show they have performed here in Moreton Bay as well as take part in a number of workshops over the two days.

At the end of the event, the kids will receive awards and feedback from the judges.

The best students from across the country in attendance will then be chosen to be part of the All Stars Australian team, who will travel overseas and compete against other countries from across the globe.

“We are just there for the ride and to experience it all,” Melissa says.

Head along

Melissa is inviting the community to head down to the gala celebration this weekend, which will be held at the Hercules Road State School hall on Saturday, February 25 from 6.30-9pm.

Admission is $15 per person, $44 for a family of four, or $80 for a table of eight.

A link to the event can be found on their Facebook page.