Kmotion 10 Year Anniversary 16 Sep 17

Kmotion Dance Studio is the framework that grows and supports my dance journey. I had my first real latin social at Kmotion, and progressed through the Zouk classes at Kmotion. I started assisting with Beginners Zouk classes at Kmotion, and until recently had done all of my performances through Kmotion. It is because of this, as well as the amazing people there, that the 10 year anniversary party was so amazing for me. But it was also amazing for Karen Rutherford, the studio owner, who nurtured her studio through ten years of growth and has made it such an integral part of the latin dance community of Canberra.

10 Years of memories at Kmotion

A mega extravaganza of performances, three rooms of dance, food and drink, about 150 people came from the local area and travelled from Sydney for the event. I think it was one of the best social parties I have attended – the vibe was electric. Even the experienced dancers came out to play. We had guest DJs, and everyone dressed to impress for the Hollywood theme. Check out the YouTube video on the event if you haven’t seen it already!!

I was one of about four Audrey Hepburns (who doesn’t love the classic look?!) and quickly learned that it is very difficult to do multiple spins in gloves. My Mum, visiting from Melbourne for my birthday, assisted with my costume selection and came to watch me perform with the Canberra Kadu and Larissa Zouk Team and dance.

KnL Canberra Zouk Team performance

KnL Canberra Zouk Team performance

The People

I have not really blogged that much about the Canberra dance community before – but it is amazing. And the best of it was on display at the 10 Year Anniversary. What became really evident during the speeches is how unique the Canberra community here actually is. Most of the city’s population have come from interstate or overseas to live here. As such, many have left their extended family to work in Government and supporting agencies. But this has resulted in the dance community becoming everyone’s extended family.

Instead of eating a traditional Sunday roast lunch together, we dance with each other every Thursday night.

The Canberra latin dance community really is like a large and ever growing family. It spans all ages, races and sizes. Everyone is welcome. Even the odd pet comes along to Sunset Zouk by Lake Burleigh Griffin in the summer months.

The Place

Two dance halls, Salon Grande and Salon Chicka (known as the Zouk Room) makes for my happy place. Beautiful floors, ceiling to ground mirrors on at least one wall and seriously great sound systems with pumping bass that is so essential for Zouk… what more could you need?! The 10 Year Anniversary saw the addition of another Tango room which was great… if only it was made a permanent fixture!

The Atmosphere

Zouk Glam: Hollywood style!

The atmosphere at Kmotion is always good, but the 10 Year Anniversary was really something else. Everyone was in a celebratory mood, the champagne was flowing, the performances were amazing, and the crowd was brilliant. I danced well into the early hours of Sunday morning, and when I managed to drag myself (or be dragged) away, the atmosphere was still pumping.

The Verdict

Possibly one of my favourite nights of dance in a very long time (maybe even since Prague). The sad thing is that we will have to wait another 10 years for the next anniversary, so if you missed it – you have my condolences.

The Details

While this was a one in 10 year event, Kmotion has super awesome dance socials and parties very regularly. Check out the Kmotion website or Facebook page for the latest international artists that Karen brings in for workshops and events. Other Zouk events organised by the studio (address is First floor, Sydney Building 54 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City) are:

Latin Lovers: Every Thursday $10 gets you entry to a 30-45 minute taster class from 8:00 pm of either Salsa or another rotating style. The Latin social starts between 8:00-8:15 pm with Salsa, Bachata, Zouk and the odd Tango or Kizomba played in Salon Grande before Salon Chicka opens for Zouk at 9:30.

Zouk Revolution: Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, $15 gets you a one hour Zouk lesson from 6:30-7:30 pm. A 100% Zouk social follows at 7:30 pm, and if you are only coming for the social entry costs $7.