Sport
1 November, 2024
FootworksDance steps into spotlight with business win
FootworksDance Morayfield, won the most outstanding local business award in performing arts this month, at the Moreton Bay’s first Local Business Awards.
Director Elizabeth Barritt was over the moon and beyond grateful when she found out she had won.
“It’s pretty exciting and it was an absolute honour and thrill to be recognised for our longevity for starters, to be able to be in business for that long,” she said.
“We have a strong reputation, we have past students who bring their children back to us, and we’ve also got dancers who have danced around the world.
“We were up against some big dance studios so I was extremely shocked, honoured and grateful to win this award.”
The business was first opened by her mother, Pam Lennon, in 1962, where she originally opened a studio in Brisbane.
Footworks then opened the Morayfield location 35 years ago, and has been a cornerstone in the community with generations dancing at the studio.
Elizabeth was also a finalist for the business person of the year, which she said she was honoured to be nominated for.
“The business doesn’t run by itself. I’ve got some great staff behind me, and it wouldn’t have been started without my mother to start with,” she said.
“Our whole family has worked at FootworksDance. My sister used to work with us, and my daughter, niece, and cousins have worked there too.
“The staff is so super supportive, and it’s how we’ve been able to go through the decades because to keep up with the latest technology you’ve got to have young blood coming through.”
The director added that she endeavours to ensure FootworksDance is an inclusive dance studio where staff and students have the room to grow.
“My main aim is to give everyone the opportunity to grow and evolve their teaching skills,” Elizabeth said.
“All students get the opportunity to dance and perform where some places are more selective.
“We give everyone the same opportunities; if you want to be in this, you can.”
