They’ve gathered at Melbourne’s Docklands, ready for action. They’re not here to protest, not here for a sporting match, they’re here to dance, dance like they do in the movies!

The event is called “Movie Moves”, the crowd dances the moves found in popular movies.

It's attracted large numbers, the organizer offers a few reasons why.

[Sandy Matlock, Organizer “Movie Moves”]:

“Learn how to dance to some of your favorite music, it’s free, courtesy of the good old city of Melbourne. And it’s fun!.” 

Slumdog Millionaire, Dirty Dancing and Thriller are the movies inspiring the moves today. Keeping it all in sync, are the choreographer and dance instructors. 

[Barbara Warren-Smith, Choreographer/Dance Instructor]:

“I believe everybody can do it, just simplify it and bring it down, and not to be frightened of it.”

[Andrea Arena, Dance Instructor]:

“They picked up the choreography really really well, so I was really happy with that.”

Charged, inspired, and worries on hold, that’s why they’re here. 

[Elsie-May Hanna, Participant]:

“Just doing the Bollywood dancing, it was so fun, hadn’t ever done that before, so learning a few of the steps was a challenge, but I really loved it.”

The sea of moving bodies makes a captivating show for onlookers.

[Krystyna Francis Verity, Retired Nursing Sister]:

“I’m so pleased I caught it, it’s been inspiring, I’ve seldom seen such a lot of fun in one place, it’s been wonderful and I couldn’t stop getting a few moves myself.”

[Janet Feldman, School Teacher]:

“I think just the fact that we can just bring our kids out for a day in the city, and all of a sudden we’re seeing some amazing dancing all in unison, it was really powerful.”

And that power appears to have boosted an already strong interest in dance.  

[Sandy Matlock, Organizer “Movie Moves”]:

“There are many people who went up to our dancers and said ‘where can I learn to dance’. Dance is a very in favor art form, and I think this adds to it.”

Melbourne’s Docklands will see another dance storm when Movie Moves repeats on February 13.

Robert Apicella, NTD Melbourne