Dancers roll into town for rock fest

ROCK O’CLOCK: Lake City Rock and Roll Club vice president Louise Gilbert and president Peter Milich prepare for the weekend of dancing ahead. Picture: CHARLOTTE VARCOE

DANCING will liven up the Mount Gambier community this weekend as the Lake City Rock and Roll Club hosts its annual festival.

This year’s theme, Rockin’ All Over the World, will have dance club members from all over South Australia and Victoria donning their best outfits at the Mount Gambier Show Hall from tonight through until Sunday morning.

“We really wanted the clubs to think outside the box with their outfits,” vice president Louise Gilbert said.

The dance floor is expected to be kept full all weekend by top Melbourne band Smokin’ Wingtips and Adelaide’s DJ Ron.

Hosted over three days, other activities will include participation in the Mount Gambier Christmas Street Parade, as well as dancing demonstrations at the Cave Gardens to continue the festivities.

During their demonstration after the parade, the Lake City Rock and Roll Club will be joined by the Bollywood dancers who participated in the recent hospital fundraising event.

“They asked if they could join in, so we said of course,” club president Peter Milich said.

Rock and roll dance teachers from Adelaide will deliver lessons to those keen to learn some moves on Saturday at the show hall from 3pm to 5pm.

The club is also encouraging new members to join and participate in weekly lessons.

“They are great for the whole family, even children,” Mr Milich said.

The club is now in its 20th year and is open to all ages, with the current youngest member aged 10 and the eldest 70.

“There are no trouble makers or anything, just people who want to learn how to dance,” Mr Milich said.

“Our group is a fantastic group of people, they are just wonderful and we would greatly appreciate the community support.”

The club meets at the Alec Roberts Memorial Hall on Victoria Terrace every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm.

New comers have the chance to try out their skills with the first two weeks free and memberships available year-round.

The weekend’s festivities begin at 7.30pm tonight and 8pm tomorrow.