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Harvey blokes step up to dance

briana fioreHarvey-Waroona Reporter
A group of Harvey men will perform a contemporary dance project.
Camera IconA group of Harvey men will perform a contemporary dance project. Credit: Haydn Jones/Haydn Jones

A priest, farmer, former soldier and a couple of hockey players have united to perform a contemporary dance with a powerful message.

The best part — they are all local blokes willing to leave their comfort zones in an attempt to break stereotypes and set a positive example.

The moving production, dubbed The Beauty Index, will be performed across five regional venues including Harvey, Moora, Ravensthorpe, Mandurah and Kalgoorlie.

The show was written by producer and choreographer Annette Carmichael in response to terrorism and fear, highlighting the need for solidarity and connectedness.

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Organiser Carl Heslop said the dancing initiative also helped to break down the stigmas surrounding men in dance.

“There’s a cliche saying that says you can’t be who you can’t see and I think that is true in so many ways,” Mr Heslop said. “I didn’t grow up seeing any men who could dance so I didn’t think dancing was something I’d ever be able to do.”

The registered nurse turned dancer said men in the regions rarely had the opportunity to dance.

“I believe it is one part lack of opportunity, but also a fear about what other people will say,” he said.

“A lot of the Harvey guys said they were way out of their comfort zones, however they wanted to set positive examples for their sons.

“They wanted to show them that they could be whoever they wanted to be.”

The production will feature many familiar faces including Fr Jess, Justin Ward, David Marshall and Daniel and Brenton Fielder.

Tickets are expected to sell out due to the uniqueness of the production.

The highly anticipated show will be performed in May next year.

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