Mirror gives dancers space to reflect

Published on 10 October 2019

Hobart's K-Pop community has brought its moves to the waterfront, where an urban mirror has created an ideal outdoor rehearsal space.

Having previously relied on shop windows to assist in honing their skills, dancers now have access to a large mirror installed on the outside of the Waterside Pavilion at Mawson Place.

“We want Hobart to be recognised as city that encourages and supports creative expression,” Community Culture and Events Committee Chair Cr Bill Harvey said.

“We became aware of a keen group of local K-Pop (Korean pop) dancers who are often seen practising in front of shop windows and other reflective surfaces.

“Our Youth ARC team approached the dancers to see how we could support them and all they wanted was a reflective surface where they could see the whole group and practise their moves and choreography.”

In response, a polished stainless steel mirror measuring 5.2m long by 2.7m high has been installed on an outer wall of the Waterside Pavilion, fronting a 20 square metre open space.

“The feedback we’ve had from the local K-Pop community has been fantastic and we’re thrilled that some of the dancers were able to join in today’s launch of the space,” Cr Harvey said.

“But it’s not just for the K-Pop community. We hope it will inspire dancers of all genres to bring their rehearsals outdoors to enjoy our wonderful waterfront and add to the vibrancy of the space.”

The urban mirror is a product of the City of Hobart’s Creative Hobart Strategy, which outlines opportunities to activate the city for creative expression.