The concert is a tribute to the life and achievements of Carol Maddocks, and is officially sponsored by the Leukaemia Foundation with all proceeds going to Myeloma research.

Artists and folkloric groups from all over Sydney who were associated with Carol are currently preparing to perform in the concert, which is one of the rare opportunities that Dance Schools and Ethnic Folkloric Ensembles have to perform together and alongside each other. The artists include the Northern Ballet Studios; Djazzex; Maravillas Spanish Dance; Djordge Nikolic Dance (Serbian); Dusha Balkana (Balkan) and Polish Song and Dance Ensemble Lajkonik.

We sincerely thank the Principal of Narrabeen Sports High for allowing us to stage this community concert at the School!

Concert tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for pensioners, and $10 for children up to age 12. Family tickets (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/up to 4 children) are $50. Tickets can be ordered by ringing Jenny Donoghue on 9453 9174, or Nan Bosler on 9984 1982, or Ursula Lang on 0418 265 271. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day.

About Carol

The Australian folk dancing community lost a treasure and friend in Carol Maddocks, (Van Stratum) when she died of myeloma on May 2nd 2011. Carol, who was born on March 9th, 1941, was a highly respected and well-known dance teacher in Sydney’s northern and northwestern suburbs (Pennant Hills, North Manly, West Lindfield, Collaroy Plateau) teaching hundreds of youth and children for the 47 years of her professional career. Today, her many students (a number of whom are now teachers) and their families remember her fondly, as well as her unique and inspiring approach to dance. She is especially remembered for her folk dance programmes and interest in multiculturalism, which developed after meeting her great mentor/associate, Margaret Walker.

Through Carol’s timeless efforts, her hours of preparation and her contacts throughout the world, Carol introduced her students to world-renowned specialist Folk Dance teachers and incredible performance opportunities. The repertoire of the Carol Maddocks Folkloric Dancers included over 100 choreographies from 27 countries. The group regularly performed at venues ranging from local fetes and nursing homes to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Town Hall. They also performed in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games, at The National Folk Festival in Canberra and even in a Bollywood Movie.

Carol served for over 10 years on the Board of the Australian Dance Council, Ausdance NSW Inc. and worked with the Creative Leisure Movement. Her partnership with Creative Leisure brought to realization her dream of holding live-in Folk Dance Camps which were held at Narrabeen from 1985-89, 91 and 93. Carol was also instrumental in the formation of Folk Dance Australia. In 1991 she was their first President and held that position until 1994. Since 2006 she had been their patron. In 1994 she received an Education Award from the New South Wales Government as part of Children’s Week and was a finalist for Avon’s Spirit of Achievement Award in 1996.