In 2017, Beyond Dance emerged with the slogan, “Serious Fun for a Serious Good Cause”. Fast forward to today, and this remarkable fundraiser continues to thrive. Since its inception, Beyond Dance has not only raised over $35,000 for Beyond Blue but it has also cultivated a vibrant and inclusive community.
Beyond Dance was a concept started by Melbourne Mum, Deb Campbell, it was born out of a desire to Honour her brother Dean's memory, who was involved in dance during his youth. Reflecting on the joyous moments shared with Dean at home and in dance classes, Deb felt compelled to channel her fundraising efforts towards mental health support, with Beyond Blue being a natural choice.
“Dancing surrounded some of the best times of my childhood with Dean including a lot of laughs at home and fun days we’d have at our dance school. I’d always done a fair bit of fundraising for different things so in reflecting on how he’d found life tough at times, this was a chance to do something for mental health services. I automatically thought of Beyond Blue,” Deb said.
Deb’s daughter, Sherylee, a former student of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and a graduate of the Sydney Dance Company, played a pivotal role in shaping Beyond Dance. She built the idea of a student choreography event - using dance as a creative outlet to allow the dancers to express their feelings through their own work.
Initially Beyond Dance aimed to raise a few hundred dollars. However, with the support of Deb’s husband, Gary, who secured a theater venue, and her younger daughter, Anastasia, who rallied friends to participate, Beyond Dance gained momentum. Dance enthusiasts from across Australia soon joined the cause, each with their own personal reasons for supporting mental health through dance.
As 2024 unfolds, Deb’s daughter Sherylee is poised to take the reins as Beyond Dance’s coordinator, supported by fellow volunteers who share a passion for both dance and mental health advocacy.
“I have made amazing friends through this fundraiser, we all look out for each other and we get to do something meaningful. We recently had a Celebratory Showcase with dancers who came back from the very beginning, so it was very special.”
Initiatives like Beyond Dance not only bring communities together but also empower individuals to effect positive change while supporting vital services such as Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service.
If you’re a dancer eager to make a difference, join Beyond Dance on their mission by visiting their Instagram page @dance2forblue.