The Shire of Denmark Council has announced publicly that it unanimously approved the lease of McLean House to the Denmark Dance Company (DDC), marking a significant milestone for DDC and promising a vibrant future for youth-focused services and activities for all age groups in Denmark (31 January 2025).
The leadership, drive and artistic output of the DDC Director, Jordine Raine, laid the foundations for this new partnership.
Jordine Raine, Director of Denmark Dance Company // Source: DDC Website
In celebrating the Shire Council announcement, Jordine said:
“Securing the lease of McLean House is a pivotal moment for DDC. Our goal has always been to create an environment that nurtures confident, empowered and inquisitive movers of all ages. We are thrilled that this new space will serve as the heart of our operations – from the playful steps of our preschoolers to the empowered movements of older participants in our neuroscience-informed ‘Happy Moves’ program, our vision is to blend dance, movement, cutting-edge research and resources, community engagement, and performance.”
“Having grown up dancing in WA, and after 18 years working professionally in dance both in Australia and abroad, returning to the west less than two years ago to establish DDC has been a profoundly rewarding journey.”
“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from our Denmark community. It is incredibly meaningful to be able to offer services in a regional context that might not otherwise be accessible. Our new centre will not only boost our capacity to deliver high-quality programming but also provide a solid foundation for future growth.”
“We are building bridges – between the arts and education, between generations – and fostering cultural and artistic exchange between the city and the country.”
In providing a lease, the Shire reports that “DDC gains a permanent and secure venue, enabling the company to enhance the quality of its programs, create new youth and community-friendly events and activities beyond its core business of dance and offer a safe space for participants of all ages to explore their creativity and to connect and grow with others.”
The terms of the lease spans five years with two additional five-year options.
DDC’s presence at McLean House is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits by creating jobs for dancers, instructors, and support staff, as well as enhancing the venue and its surroundings, in addition to promoting physical fitness, mental health and social wellbeing.
Shire President, Kingsley Gibson, said that, “The proposal had received overwhelming support from the community which highlights the positive impact DDC’s activities have provided, not just to youth but to all residents. The decision to lease McLean House to Denmark Dance Company is such a positive outcome and there is clear support from our community for DDC to have a dedicated space to expand its activities which will reinvigorate the surrounding area and engage a wide demographic – but especially our youth.”
The proposal will now move towards receiving the necessary ministerial consent.
Blog post compiled and written by Gary Hodge, Chair of Ausdance WA.
