Dance Cats tap into new market

Gay and lesbian dance space Dance Cats is venturing south for a 12-week trial of new classes in Prahran.

The first and only GLBTIQ-dedicated dance space has long called Fitzroy home at its Hodgson St premises, but owner Anny Salerni has decided to branch out.

“It’s the first time in 15 years we’re venturing out in the world and we’ve been based in Fitzroy for so long that it feels a bit scary leaving home,” Salerni said.

The Sunday classes will be held at The Space Dance & Arts Centre on Chapel St and will include ballroom and Latin for beginners and intermediate dancers and a tea dance/social class.

“The Space doesn’t usually have outside studios in there, so it’s lovely to let us come on board,” Salerni said.

There will be no changes to the regular classes at the Fitzroy venue. Salerni explained that the decision to conduct new classes was in response to both demand and the hope of accommodating new dancers who wouldn’t otherwise attend.

“Because it’s a community studio, we do things on a small scale, but over the years people have been asking for more than one beginners’ class during the week and now I’m giving people the chance to come twice.

“It’s also because we want to tap into a different market and open it up to the Commercial Rd people. I know I’m based in Fitzroy and never leave this area unless I absolutely have to, so I can imagine if I was a Commerical Rd person, I’d want something in my backyard too. It’s the mountain coming to Muhammad, if you like.”

The Dance Cats Prahran studio classes are upstairs at 318 Chapel St (next to Hungry Jacks).

info: Visit www.dancecats.com.au