The DC Fit Revue is challenging ageism in dance – and the devil is in the details

Posted on 9 September, 2024

This adult-only artistic revue will be transporting audiences from Canberra to the West End – and it sounds steamy.

Seeing 107 local dancers aged between 18 to 67 take to the stage on Saturday 14 September for an unforgettable night of dynamic performances, the DC Fit Revue is bringing some joy to the adult Canberra arts community in a fun (and slightly naughty) way.

Featuring fifteen styles of dance – from hip hop to burlesque –  DC Fit Review Production Manager Tanele Graham says the show explores all levels and talents in dance, helping the performers not only look incredible but also feel incredible.

“This show was the brainchild of our amazing DC Fit teachers in 2023 after we heard so many of our adult students wanted a platform to show off their talents,” she says.

“We have guest performers and brought in even more opportunities for local talent. This brought us to our theme, Deity. Our theme empowers our choreographers, performers, and audience to challenge themselves by asking ‘What is your most ethereal, divine, and elevated self?’. Once you tap into that through dance, it is nothing short of liberating.”

Upscaling the venue and the program after a successful 2023 show (which sold out in 10 days) the 2024 DC Fit Revue is a direct reflection of the DC Fit culture, with people of all ages levels, and backgrounds performing.

 

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But while the 2024 DC Fit Revue will be bringing some spice to your night (there’s a reason the show is 18+ only), Tanele says the show is about so much more than celebrating the hard work and talent of the DC Fit community.

It’s also fighting against the stigma surrounding ageism in dance.

“We have found that performing dance can feel ‘exclusive’, making it seem inaccessible to those who don’t fit into society’s little box of what a dancer should be. You are never too young or too old or too curvy or too different to move your body. Dance is for everyone,” says Tanele.

“This was another reason we chose our theme, Deity. Deities around the world in every culture are incredibly diverse. There is no set way to be a deity, so why should we limit ourselves to just feeling ‘human?’”

Excited to celebrate Canberra’s diverse dance community, Tanele says DC can’t wait to share the empowering energy of the revue with the audience, as they’re entertained with 35 different performances, live vocals, and more.

“There is nothing quite like live theatre. When you have a cast and creative team with this much passion, it is truly a religious experience. We want you to feel how we feel. Our tagline is ‘Step into the light and embrace your dark side!’ and we mean it!”

“We hope this show inspires our audience to get up and dance. To embrace every part of yourself both angelic and devilish, be you because in our show that doesn’t just make you unique, it makes you beyond human.”