Frou Frou to Fruition: a book launch with a cabaret twist

Posted on 8 May, 2019

“I couldn’t imagine my life without dance; the places it has taken me, the experiences I have gained and the people I have met.”

Canberra’s Kym Degenhart is preparing to launch her autobiography, Frou Frou to Fruition, this Sunday 12 May. But this won’t be your standard book launch.

Held at Lucky’s Speakeasy in QT Canberra, the Cabaret Soiree & Book Launch will introduce Frou Frou to Fruition in style.

Full to the brim with tales from the dance industry and tips on how to find success, Kym says the book will open people’s eyes to the opportunity and growth that a career in dance can foster.

As director of Jerrabomberra’s Bom Funk Dance Studio, Kym has undoubtedly had more than her fair share of experiences in the dance sphere, however, she notes that pursuing a career in dance is often dismissed because people assume that the industry is not start-up-friendly.

To this, Kym offers her own tried and tested advice on a career in dance.

“There are so many opportunities to connect with others and to create meaningful work in this industry,” she says. “Non-dancers who have already read my book have said that they are excited to implement the educational and management principles I mention to assist them in their own careers.”

The award-winning studio owner’s dance journey began when she took up ballet at six years old. At 21, she earned a spot at the highly-esteemed Moulin Rouge in Paris as a cancan dancer.

From there, Kym continued to dance professionally before returning to Australia to begin teaching 10 years later. Alongside running the Bom Funk Dance Studio, she teaches at Namadgi School.

On the challenges behind the establishment of Bom Funk, Kym says that the trials provided “steep learning curves” which she – along with her business – was able to grow from.

“Dance teaches skills far beyond the steps and can be incorporated into all facets of life, encompassing highly valued skills to create a collaborative and adaptable workforce.”

It’s this work ethic that Kym has fostered from her time as a dancer and teacher and it continues to fuel her career in ways that set her apart.

Kym’s dynamic and enthusiastic approach to teaching has allowed her to build international connections, presenting her students with opportunities to perform worldwide.

She recently returned from an overseas tour with some of her Bom Funk dancers. The group performed a show choreographed by Kym under the Eiffel Tower, at Disneyland Paris, at the FIAP Jean Monnet in Paris, and in the Victoria Embankment Gardens in London. In addition to this, the tour took her students to workshops, Parisian Cabaret performances, and shows in London’s West End.

Frou Frou to Fruition details Kym’s similar past experiences and gives further insight into Kym’s personal journey from dancer to dance teacher, business owner to author.

She firmly believes that “dance can help support our future generations develop healthy mental and physical habits.”

“My hope is that what I share with my students and readers will help others turn their passion for dance into a long-term thriving career.”

Staying true to her performance background, Kym is set on giving attendees a show at her book launch.

“I couldn’t just have a regular book launch,” she explains. “There’s such a wonderful opportunity here to tell my story through dance, so to create a cabaret show that incorporates the themes from my book was a far more exciting way to introduce Frou Frou to Fruition to Canberra.”

The cabaret show will be followed by entertainment for attendees in the afternoon. Arrival drinks, table platters, and canapes are all included in the ticket price.

Lucky door prizes from Bloch will also be given out, along with the chance to receive a signed copy of Kym’s book.

Copies of Frou Frou to Fruition will be available for purchase from 31 May.

the essentials

What: Frou Frou to Fruition – Book Launch and Cabaret Soiree
When: Sunday 12 May from 4 pm
Where: Lucky’s Speakeasy, Ground Floor QT, 1 London Circuit, Canberra
Tickets: Via TryBooking