Dancers step out for another dazzling decade

Dance troupes will tap their way into the Bianca Panetta Academy of Dance for the 11th consecutive year this month.

Dance instructor Bianca Meese said she started the academy in Harvey after having to travel to Mandurah for classes when she was a child.

However, the Harvey-born and bred dance teacher said the academy was not just about dancing. “It gives children and adults somewhere to go; some come to dance, some come for fitness and some even come to socialise,” she said. “There are some children who come three hours early and do their homework and hang out until the class starts.

“Dancing is also a team sport and many friendships are made, both within the team and with other competitors.”

Mrs Meese, or as her students call her Miss Bianca, said she still remembered her pen pal from Narrogin, who she met while dancing.

The 100-student academy celebrated its 10th-year anniversary with a concert in November.

They also travelled to the United States last year to dance on a cruise ship and attend a workshop with performers.

The students also had the opportunity to perform at Disneyland Universal Studios.

The dance crew will also be performing at Harvey Harvest Festival in March.

The classes start again on February 10 and new members are welcome.