“Yeaughhhh, me hearties!” came the call at the Maitland Senior Citizens Hall on the evening of the 26th of November.

Okay, okay- so I bend the truth a little here; it wasn’t all that often heard. Such a comment was not out of place at all given the party though, as pirates and wenches were out in full force. As it was, there was really no point in coming if you couldn’t be bothered dressing up!

The occasion was the Christmas Party and sixth birthday of ‘All Shook Up Dance Studio’. Amongst the 100 or so who attended the theme of ‘Pirates and Wenches’ was eagerly embraced, with there being no shortage of ‘piratey’ flavoured dressings.

There were chaps in knee-high boots with the top sections flapping down over the leggings, with three-pronged hats or some bearing cutlasses- very swashbuckling indeed! There were ladies with scarves wrapped around heads like pretty gypsy maidens; some wearing dresses that neatly hugged figures and others with eye-catching legs on display. Still others (back to the lads this time) had loose-fitting shirts and rolled up leggings which were very reminiscent of the larrikin bosun’.

Although just tiny to begin with- “there was only just me and two others when we began,” Principal Gary Haigh said- All Shook Up is now a welcome player in the Maitland and Hunter area. Its classes have now grown to the point where on a good week, close to a hundred people come along at some point or another.

The evening was livened up by the ‘Jumpin’ Jukebox Trio’, a local group with a diverse repertoire. Playing a very neatly arranged collection of covers, the group had a very enthusiastic stage presence. Two of the covers they performed, being ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Johnny Be Good’, proved to be well-played pieces that excellently captured the spirit.

Aaron Mansfield, vocalist, harmonica player and percussionist for the trio, gave his thanks toward the end of the night, noting the good response of the audience. ‘It’s great to be able to play for a group like this,’ he said, ‘and we really appreciate your support.’

Much like many of the evenings organised by All Shook Up, it was a great night. To Gary and his team for organising the event, to Jumpin’ Jukebox for the lively music and to Cater Force who provided the tasty dinner enjoyed- thanks y’all!

Review by Timothy Grant for culturehunter.org (December 2011)