Say hello to the Common People

Introducing our four teams OF DYNAMO DANCING debutants

As Joondalup Festival hurtles towards its roaring finale, be sure to check out what’s left of our program of world-class art, music and performance while you still can!  

Rounding off the last three weeks of fun is a massive dance party happening at Craigie Leisure Centre. Expect an explosion of lurid lycra, shoulder pads, animal print, legwarmers, and all your favourite 80s songs at our mega Festival finale – the Common People Dance Eisteddfod.  

Back in January, we sent an open letter to the community in the hopes that a smattering of local legends would sign themselves up for an experience never seen in Perth. The response blew us away, with more than 100 suburban superstars signing on to make up four dance teams. Despite their varied ages, occupations, lifestyles and dance ability (if any), their aspirations for greatness and desire to perform on the big stage – just once – gave them something in common. 

There’s a lot at stake – only one team will win the coveted bragging rights, the hearts of an adoring crowd, AND the precious team trophy. That’s why these awesome ‘Average Joes’ have been keeping their respective routines under wraps, rehearsing at separate stomping grounds and plotting how to sabotage their opponents.

Ultimately, the four teams will face off, settling the score and leaving it all on the floor at Craigie Leisure Centre for the Festival’s rip-roaring farewell on Saturday, 5 April. 

MEET THE TEAMS

THE BOOT SCOOTIN’ DOLLYS 

These Boot Scootin’ babies may be the smallest team in size but they’re the highest team when it comes to median age. The darling Dollys have been making sure to teach the choreography to Common People co-creator Fez Fa’anana – and not the other way around. Armed with props, these unphased queens are ready for a real-life hoedown. Can we get a yee-haw?

THE LEGWARMERS 

Clocking in at over 50 team members, the Legwarmers are officially the biggest team in the game. However paradoxically, they may be the most studious and coordinated of all. Their legs are certainly warm due to their choreography being some of the tightest we’ve ever seen. Their signature move is the “lickety-splits” and their routine even features a highly technical dance solo from one ultra talented Legwarmer. A team to watch!

PERM POWER 

Putting the “rock” in rock Eisteddfod, Perm Power reminds us that along with great rock anthems comes a great deal of air guitar. They’re not only known for their freshly permed hair, but they’re also infamous for their fine-tuned formations. In their impressive routine, the rather sizeable group split apart and re-group like birds in flight, under the feathery bedazzled wings of Common People founder, Neridah. Rock on, graceful swans!

THE HIGHTOP CREW 

Stomping onto the scene with their trademarked HT team pose, you best believe they’re sticking their Jenifer Lopez-inspired landings and ready for their pyrotechnic entry. Don’t be fooled by their charm, they’re not above playing dirty and remain very serious about sending the other teams home. Come game day, you’ll hear the Hightop Crew’s menacing war cry echo throughout the north.  Other teams – be afraid!

BE PART OF HISTORY 

Come down, pick a team to support and barrack until you’re hoarse for these homegrown heroes as they battle it out in WA’s first ever Common People Dance Eisteddfod, set to the 80s soundtrack of your dreams.

Go all out – dress up in your loudest 80s duds, sing along and make a ruckus from the bleachers. You’ll be sweating too with a wind-down camp aerobics session after the comp, so wear something appropriate – perhaps a power suit, that one with the massive shoulder pads you’ve got stuffed in the back of your wardrobe.

Tickets are selling FAST! Get your running man on and grab yours before they dance out the door.

GET TICKETS