TAKE those ol’ records off the shelf: this street dance party showed why rock ‘n roll will always be.
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Ballarat Rockers’ swingin’ exhibition proved a popular drawcard and taste of history in the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival on Sunday afternoon.
Jiving on a custom-made dance floor, Rockers Suzie and Mark Boswerger said there was a real buzz to show their moves to a strong audience on Lydiard Street, that had onlookers hanging over nearby balconies.
“I was focused on what moves he was making me do but it was great out there,” Ms Boswerger said.
The couple took specialist dance classes in Melbourne to learn rock ‘n roll jumps and flips, popularised in movie classic Grease. Moves take practice and strength and must be spot-on to pull off. It had the crowds cheering.
They have been rock ‘n roll dancing for about 10 years. Ms Boswerger had initially wanted to learn salsa. Mr Boswerger, a classic car fan, compromised with rock ‘n roll and they have not looked back.
Ballarat Rockers and Warrenheip Wanderers have about 130 members from teenagers to seniors learning the wide-ranging discipline, including: traditional and modern rock ‘n roll; jive; Lindy Hop; St Louis Shag; and, swing.
The Boswergers, who are part of the festival’s advisory group, said Rockabilly keeps growing bigger each year and early plans for 2019 are already exciting.
“Ballarat is a great location as a festival city,” Ms Boswerger said. “Only an hour from Melbourne, so many people can drive their hot rods here for a great day.”
Could not help ourselves, a rockin’ encore below