Normalising dance for boys

Australian Company of Performing Arts (ACPA)
__Passionate. Compassionate. Dedicated. __

When teacher Pep Rigano was young, he was one of few male dancers in his class.

"Although I had a great time, I didn't feel the support I needed from the community," he says.

Pep has been a dance teacher at the Australian Company of Performing Arts (ACPA) for 12 years, and he has normalised dance as something boys can and should do.

At the suggestion of a parent, Pep started a boys' dance class several years ago. "It started with five little superstars and has grown to over 150 boys doing dance in our school," he says. "This is enormous and quite a rarity. "

Pep takes a personal interest in each student, even learning sign language to communicate with a boy who is hearing impaired.

Pep says teaching boys is challenging and rewarding. "They have an energy like no other. Sometimes, I have to work hard to keep them motivated. But
that's the best part about being a teacher. The kids teach you so much.

"I guess what I have designed has encouraged boys to develop themselves, their personalities. It also allows them to feel comfortable and supported.

It's a passion of mine that I adore being a part of," Pep says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. ACPA will fund a boys focussed event, specialised teacher training to have a greater reach and also advance sign language skills to be able to host classes specifically for deaf or hard of hearing people.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here