After several ups and downs over the last couple of months, the Wehl Street Theatre held the annual Mount Gambier – 2021 Dance Eisteddfod. The competition ran for three days between July 8 and 10.

The eisteddfod had numerous competitors for a variety of dance sections including solos, duos, trio’s and troupes along with several dancer styles. Styles included Jazz, Neo, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Street Dance, Song and Tap, Classical, Musical Comedy, Improvisation and scholarships for the certain classical sections.

Backstage Incorporated, who organised the entire eisteddfod, is run by a group of five dedicated volunteers in 2021 from the dance division. Backstage Incorporated dance division director Christina Schultz said Natalie Somerville, who is based out of Adelaide, was the competition’s adjudicator.

“She proved to be a valuable asset for the eisteddfod with her insightful feedback to competitors and we cannot wait to have her back again,” she said. “Backstage Incorporated is grateful for all the support from the studios, parents and performers who help made the Eisteddfod the great competition that is was.”

Ms Schultz said in total, the eisteddfod had a total of four troupes along with over 50 solo and duo performers. “Everyone at Backstage Incorporated was extremely happy and grateful that the eisteddfod was able to go ahead,” she said. “With COVID restrictions, border closures and restrictions threatening to derail the competition, this did hamper the initial start date for the competition, however ultimately, we were happy with how the eisteddfod went over the three days.

“We are looking forward to a bigger and better competition in 2022.”