Strictly Sydney

The largest outdoor ballroom dancing event ever seen in Australia – a ballroom dance-off with 4,000 dancers under the direction of Baz Luhrmann will take place on Sunday 23 February from 9am around Sydney Opera House in a promotional event to celebrate the imminent opening of a truly Sydney musical, Strictly Ballroom The Musical (previewing from 25 March).

Anyone can register at www.thetelegraph.com.au/strictlyballroom to be involved in Strictly Sydney for a once in a lifetime opportunity with a chance to perform on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House in the biggest ballroom dance-off of all time under the creative direction of Baz Luhrmann.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said the Strictly Sydney mass participation event was sure to attract great interest from not only Sydneysiders but visitors from intrastate, interstate and overseas, who would come to Sydney to be part of this exciting and unique event.

“Baz Luhrmann is renowned the world over for his dazzling music and dance scenes in hit films like Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and, more recently, The Great Gatsby, which was filmed in NSW,” Mr Souris said.

“Staged against the backdrop of Sydney’s magnificent Harbour, Strictly Sydney will not only showcase Baz’s talent for co-ordinating these wonderful grand-scale performances but also give audiences around the world a taste of what’s to come when Strictly Ballroom The Musical makes its World Premiere.”

The event will be captured in an exclusive aerial shot, showcasing the display of thousands of dancers in vibrant costumes outside one of the world’s most iconic buildings.

People who wish to take part in Strictly Sydney must register their interest in advance of the day through the Sunday Telegraph – www.thetelegraph.com.au/strictlyballroom. A ballot will then be drawn to select the 4,000 dancers. The ballot will be drawn on Monday 10 February and winners will be notified on Wednesday 12 February via email.

Thomas Lacey, who will play Scott in Strictly Ballroom The Musical and Phoebe Panaretos who will play Fran will both be present at the Sydney Opera House on the day. Thomas said “As soon as I heard about Strictly Sydney I thought it sounded like an amazing opportunity for people to be a part of. So if you love to dance come along and join us…it’s going to be great fun!” Whilst Phoebe Panaretos said “I am so thrilled that Strictly Sydney is a huge Sydney community event and I can’t wait to see 4,000 dancers in front of the Opera House! It is a fitting welcome for Strictly Ballroom The Musical into Sydney.”

By registering one lucky couple will win:

• An original matching dance ensemble designed by Catherine Martin.

• Tickets to the World Premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical on Saturday 12 April at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star.

20 runners up will win:

• 2 tickets to see a preview of Strictly Ballroom The Musical on Thursday 10 April at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star.

Every participant will receive a digital download of the official Strictly Sydney event aerial photograph.

In addition each couple will also be given a fabric square with matching numbers on them – a unique commemorative patch designed by Catherine Martin which is pinned to the back of each dancing couple.