Strictly Sydney Celebrates Strictly Ballroom

Australia’s largest outdoor ballroom dancing event took place on the Northern and Western Broadwalks of the Sydney Opera House on Sunday February 23, creating a world record when hundreds of couples performed a specially choreographed Strictly Sydney moment.

This event, under the direction of Baz Luhrmann, celebrated the forthcoming opening of Strictly Ballroom The Musical, which previews at Sydney Lyric Theatre from 25 March, 2014.

Luhrmann, Global Creatures and the entire creative team have seen Strictly Sydney as a community event from the beginning, wanting to give Sydney-siders the chance to be involved in some way in the launch of the production. As a consequence Sydney-siders were invited to register to participate in the event.

Dancers of all abilities arrived on site early to register dressed in every conceivable style of ballroom dancing attire. Emulating “Scott Hastings” from the film Strictly Ballroom all the men were given an iconic white Chesty Bonds singlet to wear and each participant received a memento specially designed by Catherine Martin.

Baz Luhrmanndirected the dancers from a crane mounted on a dolly that whirled up and down the forecourt while assistants demonstrated and shouted dance-step directions.

WSFM Breakfast Host Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones was the MC at the event. He was joined by The Hon. George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts; Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase and set and costume designer Catherine Martin.

Special guest Harrison Craig, who won Channel 9’s The Voice in June last year, serenaded the crowd with “Love Is In The Air”as they learnt the steps to the Samba.

Photography by James Morgan.

More Strictly Ballroom reading and details

Musicals in 2014 and Beyond

www.strictlyballroomthemusical.com

Strictly Ballroom The Musical

Venue: Sydney Lyric, The Star

Dates: Previews from Tuesday 25 March, 2014.

Opening Night Saturday 12 April

Bookings: Ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

Groups 20+ and School Groups 20+ call 02 8420 2290

First Preview of New Song - Beautiful Surprise.