Following the 2013 inaugural event which saw over 150 men and women perform a simple, four minute choreographed dance routine on Noosa’s Main Beach to raise awareness about violence against women, Noosa is gearing up to do it all over again on Friday 17 February at 5pm.
The Noosa event is part of a global movement known as One Billion Rising for Justice.
In 2013 more than one billion people in 207 countries simultaneously performed the same dance routine to signal an end to violence against women.
Local One Billion Rising for Justice organiser and dancer Peppie Simpson said this year she was hoping to see more than 300 people participate in the free event.
“Last year’s event was so positive and powerful and we’d love more people to join us this year”, she said.
“The power of dance, music and community is an incredible combination and although it’s a serious issue we have a lot of fun along the way.”
Peppie stressed that no prior dance experience or fitness level was required to be part of the group dance display.
“The simple choreography that forms our four minute routine means that everyone over 13 years of age can participate. For those who participated last year, the routine is almost identical which should make things easy,“ she said.
“We have scheduled a few free rehearsals over the next few weeks to help people feel comfortable with the steps although it is not about how well you can dance. It’s about coming together as a community and making a stand against violence.”
Peppie said the Noosa event was the only one on the Sunshine Coast that she was aware of and was grateful the community took the issue so seriously.
“According to the One Billion Rising for Justice website, it is estimated that one in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime – that’s one billion women,” she said.
“In Australia, La Trobe University research shows that one woman is killed every week in Australia by a current or former partner and anywhere from one-quarter to one-third of Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence by a man at some point in their lives.
“Although I am fortunate to have led a life free of domestic violence others are not so fortunate. That is why it is so important that we unite and dance on the beach to show we care and to raise awareness.”
For the non-dancers, Peppie encouraged spectators to come along to the free performance on Friday 17 February at 5pm and show their support for the cause.
For those who wish to join the performance but are unable to make rehearsals the routine can also be found on the One Billion Rising website at onebillionrising.org/
One Billion Rising for Justice rehearsals will be held at the Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive, Noosaville.
• Friday 31 January at 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
• Saturday 1 February at 11am – 12pm.
• Tuesday 4 February at 4.30pm – 5.30pm.
• Friday 7 February at 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
• Saturday 8 February at 11am – 12pm.
• Tuesday 11 February at 4.30pm – 5.30pm.
Three rehearsals are recommended and there is no need to book – just turn up on the day.
The performance will be on Friday 17 February at 5pm in front of the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, Hastings Street.
To find out more call Peppie on 0408 197 879 or email at surfdancer@live.com
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence call: DV Connect (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) freecall number 1800 811 811.
