Chance to dance: Sarah Collins and her friends are throwing an old-school dance this weekend at the Kallista Mechanics Hall. Picture: Rob Carew
SARAH Collins is inviting you on a trip down memory lane.
This Saturday, the Belgrave resident with a love of all things vintage is hosting an old-school dance night at the Kallista Mechanics Hall, harkening back to the original tea dances of the 1940s.
Mrs Collins came up with the idea while putting together the playlist for her wedding last year.
Following the enthusiasm from guests at her vintage-themed wedding, she approached friends Deira Bowie and Brendan Jellie, both in their early 20s, to help launch the event.
"We all met at university and bonded over our love for George Formby, The Andrews Sisters and Perry Como," Mrs Collins says.
Being a passionate hills resident also helped Mrs Collins with the idea.
"I often say I feel like I'm living in an Enid Blyton novel. There's such a magically wholesome vibe in the hills that it almost does feel like you are living in another era. It struck me that I was living in the perfect place to create an event like this."
Mrs Collins says she knew when she found the Kallista Mechanics Hall she had stumbled across the perfect dance location.
"When Venetia [from the mechanics' hall] answered the phone she was so excited by the prospect of the hall hosting an old-school dance night. She told me that the Kallista tea dances of the 1940s had a legendary reputation and I thought, Well, if that isn't the most brilliant incentive to bring them back, I don't know what is!"
Guests can enjoy dancing to music by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and many more.
The trio of organisers say if this first dance is a success then they are looking to put it on as a monthly or bi-monthly event.
"Basically we have put together a night that will see people of every age dancing the night away like it's 1956, plus or minus 10 years."
The dance is on 7.30-10pm this Saturday in the Kallista Mechanics Hall, Tom Roberts Road, Kallista. Entry is $10 and includes devonshire tea. An assortment of cold beverages will be for sale. There is no need to book - just make sure you dress the part. There will be a door prize and prizes awarded to the best dancer.