The Springfield Anglican College Alumni
A 23-year-old ballet dancer and Greater Springfield business owner is inspiring school leavers in the region to pursue their passion for dance.
Jordan Lennon, a former student at The Springfield Anglican College and owner of The Dancer’s Shop, said dancing gave him “great joy” and the ability to pass on his own experiences to the next generation.
Mr Lennon, a freelance dancer, and The Studio of Performing Arts Springfield Dance and Circus assistant director said he wanted to offer the community a “local space” where all dance students could purchase quality dance clothes and be greeted by a staff member that was willing to help them.
“If you’re choosing to dance, you have already made a big investment. Feeling comfortable in dance class and rehearsals shouldn’t be another hurdle,” he said.
“I constantly had to purchase items from overseas and cross my fingers that they would be the right size. I don’t want anyone to feel alienated when they choose to do an activity that gives them joy, regardless of whether it is a popular choice or not.”
Mr Lennon performs across many disciplines including ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap, in different settings and for a variety of audiences.
He said for business reasons he chose Greater Springfield as a place to work due to its growing potential to compete with larger cities.
“Springfield has been a home for me to grow, learn, adapt and foster my current career path,” Mr Lennon said.
“Being able to reflect on how much the city has changed since I started school at The Springfield Anglican College is very motivational.”
Mr Lennon opened The Dancer’s Shop in 2019, towards the end his formal ballet training at the New Zealand School of Dance.
“As a male in the dance industry we are constantly carving against the grain,” he said.
“The population of male dancers is very small in the industry compared to our female counterparts, and with few role models to look up to when at school, this makes the decision to pick dance as an extra-curriculum alienating at times.
“When I was at school, sport stars were common male role models – everyone wanted to be like them.
“However, when choosing to dance there aren’t posters or collecting cards of your favourite dancers to be seen.
“You have to look out from your cohort and find inspiration elsewhere. You can watch YouTube, attend shows, enrol in classes, apply for summer schools and workshops.
“The barrier of entry on a commitment front is far more involved than joining your schools’ sports team.
“I know all of this because I have witnessed it firsthand. I don’t want anyone to feel alienated when they chose to do an activity that gives them joy regardless of whether it is a popular choice or not.”
This year Mr Lennon has performed across the country including at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Brisbane Festival, and the Brisbane Powerhouse season of Cirque Bon Bon.
Mr Lennon, a Queensland University of Technology student, said he hoped to continue to perform and spark more interest in students wanting to enter the “dance world”.
He is set to complete his first year as a dual Bachelor of Business/Engineering (Honours) student with the motto “as long as you take more steps forward than steps back, you’ll never be disappointed with the outcome”.
The Dancer’s Shop is at Level 1, Suite/1A Education City Dr, Springfield Central.
