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70 Years Of Dancing In Redcliffe

Story: Alyssa Mackay | Photo: Pete Johnson
Published On : Jul 23, 2022
70 Years of Dancing in Redcliffe
A Redcliffe dance school has given thousands of students the gift of dance for an impressive seven decades.  

This month the Sharon Alback Dance Centre (SADC) is inviting the community to celebrate this milestone at Disco Inferno, a special anniversary concert.

SADC manager Sharon Alback said the school was opened in 1952 by Sylvia Currie, a dance teacher from Melbourne, alongside Gladys Armstrong, Sharon’s mother, as pianist.

“The school was known as the Sylvena School of Dancing,” Sharon said. “I was an original student and worked as an assistant teacher.

“When Sylvia returned to Melbourne in 1958, I took over the management of the school.”

The school moved from Woody Point Memorial Hall into its present studio at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre in 1982, where it became the Sharon Alback Dance Centre.

“Dance classes were very different to today,” Sharon said. “Children attended class once or twice a week and lessons ranged across all genres. Today each genre has its own specific class and specific teacher.

“In the early days ballet attire was very hard to source and most mothers made their child’s costumes for the annual recital. Today very few mums sew and most costumes are purchased from specialised outlets worldwide.”

Over the years, the school has seen many highlights, including overseas trips with Redcliffe’s Sister City Program.

“These trips broadened the students’ concept of dance and many of these pupils are still working in the entertainment industry,” Sharon said.

“There are so many pupils who have come through the studio to gain their diplomas and have become dance teachers with studios of their own.

“My personal highlights are becoming an examiner with Comdance and also an executive and life member of the society.

“The secret of success is possibly that I loved my work and would always put the studio first. Money came second to satisfaction and always has.”

SADC director Diahann Maude, who is Sharon’s daughter, said Disco Inferno would feature past and present pupils.

“We have special guests including Nicole Wheeler, who is currently touring with Menopause the Musical, and Jahn Jaksa, who is the lead singer of one of Sydney’s top retro bands, Groovin Hard,” Diahann said.

Tickets start at $40 and include nibbles before the show. Get tickets at redcliffeentertainmentcentre.com.au/Events/SADC-70s-Disco-Inferno

Disco Inferno – Sharon Alback
Dance Centre 70 Years’ Celebration
Saturday, 27 August, 3:30-5:50pm and 7-9pm
Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
Downs Street, Redcliffe.