A Rhythm Nation
We are like-minded individuals
Sharing a common vision….
We are a part of a rhythm nation
– Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation, 1989
Jackson wanted to create the feeling of a “nation” founded on positivity, inclusion and dancing. According to Los Angeles Times, she was inspired by the hub of upbeat dancers in New York clubs at the time.
It’s 2018, The Cassettes’ are nearly five years old, and our glittery bubble is happily one quirky example of what Jackson’s vision for a Rhythm Nation could be.
This year’s adventures begin:
– 80 adult dancers, including 3 merry men dance at The Cassettes each week, led by 5 fantastic teachers. Term 2 is now open.
– Woodford Folk Festival was so much fun, and so heartwarming, that we’re bringing our Horses Dance Workshop to Byron on Friday 7pm, Mar 16. Early Bird closes Mar 1.
– Our new Hip Hop classes in Byron with the super-skilled Kim Kosic are super enjoyable, especially for those who love choreography. Drops in are welcome.
– Continuing the authentic Street Dance theme, we’re more than a little excited to offer Breakdance at The Cassettes in Term 2 with Byron b-boy Scott Thomson.
Scott has competed in the biggest breaking comps in the world and has supported performers such as Ice T, Public Enemy, KRS 1, Black Eyed Peas, Grand Master Flash, etc!
He’s now also a Pilates Instructor and Dance Physio: so we may just come out of this in one piece.
– The Cassettes’ Flashmob Dance Company are road tripping to Ivory Rocks for Earth Frequency Festival this weekend, having had a jolly time there last year.
– We’re also plotting a flashmob for the streets of Byron and possibly the Gold Coast, on the weekend of March 23, with a new dance-theatre piece choreographed by Kelly Dodd, featuring our favourite genre of all time: 80s rock. Yes we are talking Bon Jovi’s You Give Love A Bad Name. Stay tuned for top secret details.
– Mandy Nolan’s Q and A with me in last week’s Byron Shire Echo, reveals how The Cassettes are coping with Earth Frequency’s No Glitter Policy (very well thank you, I’m covered from head to toe in bio-glitter right now as a test run), and why it is important as well as fun to bring music, dance and other pleasant surprises into public spaces.
– “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage”, Anais Nin. The Course in Creativity is coming soon. If courage, working with the senses, writing, drawing and widening the church of your heart sings to you: please come along!
– Everything The Cassettes do is pulled off as a team effort. Teams are the best! Big thanks and love to:
The creative, unique and high-quality teachers who are Deb Chalmers, Hip Hop Guest Teacher Kim Kosic, Kelly Dodd, Indianna Franke and… myself! The best ever wingman, Jake Whitfield, aka Mr Cassette. Our sophisticated and savvy Gig Manager JJ O’Rourke, who continues the fine work of Justine Speed.
And of course our top notch dancers: you are excellent human beings, and the raddest of movers.
Here’s to an incredible year together!
In love and lightning bolts,
Riss
