I feel the photographs of the evening’s proceedings speak for themselves. Jason Coleman opened his new dance studio in North Melbourne, entitled the Ministry of Dance, with a spectacle of performance. The essential vibe of Baroq House was recreated and exaggerated on a grand scale for one night only. Jesters, dancers, acrobats, musicians and singers (and I spotted a live snake or two) abound among a crowd that were told to dress “Fierce” (how very Tyra of them) or to create their own “Fantasy” version of themselves. This turned the carnivale atmosphere into a feast for the senses with hordes of winged and masked creatures at every turn.

Pirates and their wenches shared their champagne with Marilyn Monroe lookalikes and feathered showgirls. And of course we were treated to the Ministry’s new proteges and Mr. Coleman himself ( I would have liked to have seen more from the guest of honour) giving us a taste of how they can move. The space itself is a grand warehouse providing plenty of room for new talent to spread out. I’m sure that the performers will be popping up at all kinds of Melbourne events in the near future (in fact they have already started at the recent Fashion+Aid charity event).

Words – Sarah Willcocks

Photographs – Patrik Nemes