On the Grapevine

Recently, League 23’s Competition Troupe of dancers under-10s, 12s and 15s showcased their talents at their first competitive stage performance held at Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and were notably a standout, bringing home more than 30 medals.

The Troupe of 17 performed in nine different routines and much to the delight of hard-working principal Danielle Romancewicz, all were placed in the top three, to the surprise of competing clubs.

“It is a special experience for them, the theatre, the atmosphere, the lights and being on a stage and I am so incredibly proud of how well they all performed,” said Danielle.

League 23 opened its doors in 2019 in premises in Broadway St with a small number of excited young girls and rapidly grew in popularity. However, when COVID-19 hit, the dance studio was seriously impacted and so often unable to open. Despite attempting to run Zoom classes the reality was that with little or no income, it was inevitable that the dance studio would be forced to close.

With Victorians out of lockdown earlier this year the opportunity arose for Danielle to open a new studio at the former bocce courts adjacent to the Cobram Italian Club. After some serious renovations, the space has been completely transformed and is now a large professional dance studio which today has in excess of 150 young dancers and numbers continue to grow.

With three separate studio spaces, different groups can learn a range of different dance styles at the same time, under separate teachers

Interested young dancers, both boys and girls, have the option to try jazz, acro, lyrical, contemporary, tap dance, hip hop, and Latin ballroom in a warm and nurturing environment. Ballet is also on the program for the future.

There is no pressure to join in competition, the young dancers have a choice to just do recreational classes if they prefer.

“There is a different freeway for those who enjoy competition and those who just want to have fun, keep fit and enjoy an activity with their friends.” said Danielle.

She added, “There is so much more to dance, it encourages team building and there is the social aspect. It’s also great for physical and mental wellbeing and helps to build confidence and personal strength and enables the young ones to set goals.

“We hold classes in each genre and the kids can choose what they wish to learn. We have classes for tiny tots, mums and bubs aged 1-2 years and 3-4-year-olds, together with our school-aged children who come directly from school Monday to Friday.”

Some attend class once a week, while those in competition often attend the studio three-five times a week when preparing for their next competition.

For all dancers however, there is the end-of-year concert where everyone has a chance to showcase what they have learnt during the year. It is exciting time for the dancers of all ages and eagerly looked forward to when held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, giving everyone a taste of what it’s like on the big stage in front of their family and friends.

Enrolments are open all year and students are welcome to come and try a class to see if they like it. League 23 also has had many inquiries for adult dance classes.

To ensure there is very little stress for mums when fitting out their young dancers, the studio has incorporated a uniform shop where busy mums can purchase a League 23 uniform which is suitable for all ages, plus easy care and comfortable.

For all the details of League 23 go to the website: www.league23.com

** Known as Miss Dani by her students, Danielle began her love for dance at the age of four years in Wollongong where she was coached in a broad range of dance styles.

“I loved it from the very beginning and never missed a day. At age six I was introduced to competition and continued into my late teens. Meanwhile, I also took examinations in certain levels in each dance style and started to teach at the age of 14 years and discovered that I particularly loved the jazz classes,” said Danielle.

“From that time onwards, dance became my life,” she added.

‘Miss Dani’ has earnt respect and affection from each and every student and is undeniably passionate about nurturing their individual talents and thanks all families for the marvellous support she has received.

Many readers would know Tanya Romancewicz, the owner of the popular Double Shot Café. She is the proud mum of Danielle and instrumental in her daughter’s love for dance. The mother and daughter are huge supporters of each other and their separate passions and assist one another on a daily basis.

Paddy debuts for Adelaide Crows

The name Parnell is synonymous with Cobram and district and young Patrick Parnell, the grandson of Pat Parnell who passed away in March, in Albury, showcased that he has what it takes to play AFL football when he played his debut game with the Adelaide Crows on Saturday against the West Coast Eagles.

A talented young footballer, Patrick or Paddy as he is affectionately known, was pick Number 4 in the Crows mid-year draft last year and has been closely watched by selectors. Playing in the state league SANFL , the former Murray Bushranger from Albury has been averaging 17.9 touches and 4.4 marks a game.

On Saturday, the young defender impressed with recorded statistics showing he had 14 kicks, one handball and one mark in his first game in the big league and a good indication of his ability and bright future ahead with the Crows.

Watching him proudly in Adelaide were mum and dad Terry and Tracey Parnell, his grandmother Margaret Parnell and several other family members.