Strictly Sydney

To celebrate the imminent opening of a truly Sydney musical, Strictly Ballroom The Musical (previewing from 25 March), Baz Luhrmann has collaborated with Global Creatures and Destination NSW to create Strictly Sydney, the largest outdoor ballroom dancing event ever seen in Australia.

This spectacular community event with 4,000 ballroom dancers will be held around the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 23 February from 9am.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a chance to perform on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House in the biggest ballroom dance-off of all time under the creative direction of Australia’s own Baz Luhrmann.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, said the Strictly Sydney mass participation event was sure to attract great interest from not only Sydneysiders but also visitors from across NSW, interstate and overseas who would come to Sydney to be part of this exciting and unique event.

“Baz Luhrmann is renowned the world over for his dazzling music and dance scenes in hit films like Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and, more recently, The Great Gatsby, which was filmed in NSW,” Mr Souris said.

“Staged against the backdrop of Sydney’s magnificent Harbour, Strictly Sydney will not only showcase Baz’s talent for co-ordinating these wonderful grand-scale performances but also give audiences around the world a taste of what’s to come when Strictly Ballroom The Musical makes its World Premiere in April at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. I encourage everyone to register to take part in Strictly Sydney and experience the magic and fun of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical in one of the most spectacular outdoor settings on earth.”

This exciting event will be captured in an exclusive aerial shot, showcasing the impressive display of thousands of dancers in vibrant costumes outside one of the world’s most iconic buildings.

Thomas Lacey, who will play Scott in Strictly Ballroom The Musical and Phoebe Panaretos who will play Fran will both be present at the Sydney Opera House on the day.

Anyone can register now at www.thetelegraph.com.au/strictlyballroom to be involved in Strictly Sydney. A ballot will then be drawn to select the 4,000 dancers. The ballot will be drawn on Monday 10 February and winners will be notified on Wednesday 12 February via email.

By registering one lucky couple will win:

•   An original matching dance ensemble designed by Catherine Martin.
•   Tickets to the World Premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical on Saturday 12 April at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star.

20 runners up will win:

•   2 tickets to see a preview of Strictly Ballroom The Musical on Thursday 10 April at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star.

Every participant will receive a digital download of the official Strictly Sydney event aerial photograph.

In addition each couple will also be given a fabric square with matching numbers on them – a unique commemorative patch designed by Catherine Martin, which is pinned to the back of each dancing couple.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical is being produced in Australia by Global Creatures and Bazmark together with the support of Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency and the City of Sydney.

Photo: Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris joins cast members of Strictly Ballroom: The Musical at the Sydney Opera House to promote the Strictly Sydney event.

For more information please visit: www.strictlyballroomthemusical.com