Dance Oolites tapping into talent at Nepean Disabilities ExpoPenrith Press 21 Oct 2010 by Caryn Metcalfe 
DANCE Oolites have a feather in their cap after being invited to dance at the Nepean Disabilities Expo on Saturday. The dance group for children and adolescents with disabilities has been running for two years, with this their first invitation concert. Dance Oolites president and artistic director Melanie Coid said the group had been very fortunate. “We got a funding grant from Australia Post at the end of last year, which we put towards our first performance leotards in stretch black velvet,” she said. “To date we have provided all their rehearsal and performance outfits and most of their shoes.” With 15 dancers, plus five dance volunteers, learning a dance can be a lengthy process. Despite this, Ms Coid said she planned to move into a new aspect of dance. “Rather than all do the same thing at the same time, we will have the older children do a different thing,” she said. “We keep our dance repertoire and become familiar with a routine then all learn new ones together. We have about four routines and are about to learn two new ones.” Ms Coid said Saturday’s performance would be their second of the year, having already held their annual concert. She said they already had a waiting list but if anyone was interested in their child joining, they could contact her. “There are certain things about the child and their particular disability that I need to know before they start,” she said. “Some need dance volunteers to help them dance.” For more details call Ms Coid on 0414 518 939 or go to danceoolites.com. The Dance Oolites group with Heather, 10, at the front. Picture: MATT SULLIVAN The digital edition of this Penrith Press article can be found at -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
The Dance Oolites kids have received a much-needed financial boost. DANCE Oolites girls will finally have some twirling skirts. The dance group for children and adolescents with disabilities has received $1200 for dancing costumes from the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Community Grants. Founder Melanie Coid said the grant would be a great help. “We hope to be able to provide some of their dance shoes and costumes,” she said. “The girls are excited about their twirling skirts. Thank you to Woolworths for the grant.” Mrs Coid, who doesn’t have a dance background but has worked with special needs children for more than a decade, started the group six months ago because there was a huge need for one in the Lower Mountains. Mrs Coid said she had to break the dance down so they could do the movements. “They have difficulty with motor planning, so they can’t look at a movement and do it,” she said. “It would take a term to learn a routine.” Dance Oolites started with six children but has grown to 25, aged from five to 15. Mrs Coid said if anyone was interested in their child joining, they needed to contact her. “There are certain things about the child and their particular disability that I need to know before they start,” she said. “Some need dance volunteers to help them dance.” For more details call Melanie Coid on 0414 518 939 or go to danceoolites.com
The Dance Oolites kids have received a much-needed financial boost. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Love is in the Air, by Sue WilliamsPublished 2009  This book tells the inspirational story of the Merry Makers. The last chapter informs readers of how they inspired the founding of other dance groups for people with disabilities including Dance Oolites inc. The book is published by ABC Books and is available from ABC shops. |
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