Sweat and sass at dance class hits Sawtell surf club

MOVE IT – Sawtell returned on Sunday 19 April, bringing a high-energy, one-off dance fitness class to the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club.

Running from 10am to 11am, the session drew a strong local crowd keen to experience the Northern Rivers-based program on the Coffs Coast.

Led by founder Philip Channells, the class combines elements of dance, fitness and creative movement in what’s described as a post-ballet, post-disco, post-aerobics format.

The structure is intentionally inclusive, designed for all ages and abilities, with participants encouraged to move at their own pace.

There are no strict routines or technical expectations, making it accessible to both experienced dancers and complete beginners.

MOVE IT is an initiative of Dance Integrated Australia and has built a following across locations including Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Lismore and Brunswick Heads.

The Sawtell event reflected a growing interest in expanding the program further along the coast.

“I started MOVE IT to create a space where people could enjoy movement without judgement,” Channells said.

“After seeing the response here, I’d love to bring this to Sawtell more regularly, potentially as a monthly class.”

The session featured a mix of nostalgic and contemporary music, alongside guided movement and stretching, with a focus on improving strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing.

Participants were advised to bring water, a mat and a towel, with the class delivering a full workout in a relaxed, social setting.

Local attendee Ben Borkowsky said the experience exceeded expectations.

“I haven’t had that much fun exercising before… you don’t really notice how much you’re doing until afterwards,” he said.

Following the class, the event extended beyond the venue with an impromptu outdoor performance by Raji Renshaw, a Bellingen-based dancer with disability.

Taking place on the lawn outside the surf club, the spontaneous solo dance attracted attention from café patrons and spectators attending a nearby surf competition.

Raji will return to the stage when he supports Max to the Max at Bellingen Memorial Hall on Sunday 26 April, celebrating disability-led art through dance, theatre, cabaret and burlesque.

By Kate PYE