Goulburn will play host to Australia's largest square dance event on the calendar, the 62nd Australian National Square Dance convention this month.
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Running from April 21 to April 25 at the Goulburn Recreation Area, organisers said this is the first national convention held since 2019.
Leanne Nicholson, Co-Convener of the Convention is eager for its return.
"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Convention has been cancelled for the past two years, so we are very much looking forward to bringing the Convention back and enjoying the local hospitality of Goulburn," Ms Nicholson said.
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"This year, we are expecting approximately 300 dancers to attend from New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia."
"The suitable venues, ample accommodation options, the great country vibe and support we have received from Goulburn Mulwaree Council, are what made Goulburn an attractive location for us to hold the convention."
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Peter Walker, said the region's location and wonderful facilities were tantamount to luring events like the convention.
"We continue to capitalise on our great location and I am looking forward to welcoming the National Square Dancing Convention next Thursday," Cr Walker said.
"Bringing 300 plus people to Goulburn will help boost our accommodation, food and drink and retail businesses; as well as showcasing our great region to people from around the country."
Square dancing is done in groups of four couples who dance in formation - either squares, circles, lines or columns. During each dance session, dancers will change formation following the instructions of a caller.
The five day event will be opened with an official ceremony on Friday 22nd April. Over the course of the convention, a range of square dance sessions of different levels, as well as round dance sessions (similar to ballroom dancing) and a clogging session (similar to Irish dancing) will be held.
Organisers said the convention is also an opportunity for many national square dance groups and committees to come together.
As part of the program a number of these groups will hold meetings at various venues throughout Goulburn.
Spectators are more than welcome to attend, night time sessions have the most dancers in attendance and would be the best time for spectators to visit.
For more information about Goulburn, visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au.
