The SDS Griffith dancers accept a $500 cheque from the Punjabi Mela organisers, flanked by Brian Bertolin and Tony Santolin of Griffith Real Estate. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Crowds at the annual Griffith Punjabi Mela were stunned last weekend when a group of mostly white girls took to the stage in red salwar kameez and delivered a flawless Bollywood-style dance routine.
But an even bigger adventure awaits the young performers. They will be joined by other dancers from SDS Griffith – Shannon’s Dance Studio for an international cruise performance in January 2027.
“Back in 2017 we took a group to tour in America. In 2020, we were planning a trip to Paris and London, but COVID hit. Parents have been asking, ‘Where are we going to go for another tour?’ I thought, let’s do something different,” dance instructor Shannon Hart said.
Most of the 16 performance team members who lit up the Mela will be joined by recreational dancers from Ms Hart’s studio, forming a group of 25 for a 10-day Carnival Cruise through the Pacific, including stops in Vanuatu and Mystery Island.
“I’ll put together a half-hour choreographed routine, bearing in mind we can’t do aerobatic or aerial tricks in case we go sideways with the waves. The girls will perform that on the ship for two nights and also do classes with the professional dancers who are part of the cruise’s dance team,” she said.
“It’ll be an amazing experience for the girls — for some, it will be their first overseas trip.”
The dance ensemble is now seeking community support as it fundraises to cover expenses.
“The kids will need costumes, tights, shoes and travel uniforms,” Ms Hart said.
“We’ve had a lot of sponsors come on board so far. All money raised is going towards the 25 dancers’ costs. Parents and family members attending the cruise will cover their own expenses.
“If anyone would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. If you need performances for an event or Christmas, we’re happy to give it a go.
“Information on becoming a sponsor and the advertising benefits is available on our website.”
The group’s goal is to raise $2000 per child — a total of $50,000. So far, they have raised $10,000.
They received a boost last Saturday when Punjabi Mela organisers presented them with a $500 cheque following their dazzling performance.
Ms Hart missed the Griffith Real Estate-sponsored event as she was in Manila, Philippines, judging a dance competition, but said the concept was a natural fit.
“I’ve always loved festive Bollywood dancing, so I thought, let’s put together a Bollywood routine with our performance team,” she said.
“They want us to do three different routines next year, so I’ll have to do a lot of studying.”
The cruise-bound SDS girls, aged eight to 15, are as follows:
- Alani De Martin
- Maddy Pilkington
- Zara Fletcher
- Khloe Taylor
- Halle Robinson
- Ariah Durbhakula
- Thea Durbhakula
- Winter Watson
- Amelia Heness
- Lyla Menegazzo
- Poppy Menegazzo
- Antoilina Catanzariti
- Harper Ratcliff
- Evie Plum
- Sophie Bailey
- Annabelle Minchin
- Mila Stellmach
- Mia Honeyman
- Liliarnah Moala
- Mayah Campbell
- Ella Butcher
- Charli Butcher
- Maia Moroney
- Millie Hutchinson
- Indi Hutchinson
Information on sponsoring the crew can be obtained by contacting the SDS Griffith website.
