Kyogle showground turned into a sea of purple last weekend when the Guinness World Record for the World’s Biggest Happy Dance was formally set, trouncing the previous record based in Singapore.  

We confirm the important numbers that made the day a success, starting with the dance schools – two of the seven at the event were from the Ballina Shire.

Julie Walsh teaches Zumba, and Anne Thompson, JazzXercise, and both were amongst the high energy in the showground, with large groups of their dancers joining the fray.

“What a fantastic event for a good cause,” said Julie, ” I was so proud to have my Zumba Team join in – and we had a blast!”

“How joyful it was – the world needs more of this joy! My JazzXercise class is still buzzing from it one week on,” said Anne.

468 people were Dancing in the Streets (by Human Nature), which eclipsed the unofficial record acknowledged in Singapore. People came from the north in Queensland, west as far as Inverell and south up from Yamba, to join the fun of the day. 

Danielle Mulholland is impressed with Kyogle’s turnout, “Singapore had 448 out of 5.918 million = 0.00757% of Singapore (Singapore’s population – 2015 figure)

“468 out of 2,804 (Kyogle’s population) = 16.69%.  Both would have people from around the area, but it shows, we are a Can Do Community!”

3 power women were behind the organisation – Danielle Mulholland (Kyogle Mayor), Sandii Dee (Kyogle Bazaar Coordinator) and Lara Leahy (Journalist).  Political figures were there to support the event, including MP, Janelle Saffin, and neighbouring Mayor Robert Mustow.

Lara confirms, “It was an incredible day, momentum was building in the crowd and the talent showcased in the dance schools throughout the event. When the world record song began, the energy in that showground was tangible – every joyous move, every unrestrained smile – happiness exuded. The happy dance was a complete success.”

New to 92!  All ages and abilities were there from babies in prams up to a 92 year old man, whose wife was one of the dance instructors, Anne Thompson, celebrating her 87th birthday on the same day. Creative outfits, painted faces and coloured hair and even dogs were everywhere.

One week on, the official video by Jordan Edmeades has been released.

$15,000 has been raised, with additional pledges and merchandise sales still coming in.

“Our community came together to create an inclusive, welcoming event that turned the serious issue of domestic violence into a powerful show of unity,” said Sandii.

“We raised hundreds of dollars for DV programs—but more importantly, we showed that we are ready to support the cultural change needed to end domestic and family violence.”

If you missed out on swag on the day, the few items left will be sold at the Kyogle Bazaar on June 28 (every fourth Saturday).  People attending the market are encouraged to wear their purple shirts and butterfly badges in ongoing support of ending domestic violence.

Purple, being a colour associated with female empowerment and strength, is now affiliated with the fight against Domestic Violence.

According to OECD data, Australia ranks eighth among G20 nations in rates of violence against women.

In rural situations, the occurrence and danger multiply, as Community Legal Centres, NSW have found;

“Across Australia, people living in regional, rural and remote communities are 24 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family and domestic violence than people living in major cities. “No-one will hear me scream” 

All proceeds benefit Kyogle Family Support Services, specifically funding a new school-age education program to teach recognition of healthy relationships and prevent violence before it starts.

The official headcount, event documentation, and the event have been submitted to Guinness World Records. Recognition typically takes months.

Mayor Mulholland remains optimistic, “They then process the paperwork and determine whether we have set a new world record. Which we have.”

Alley Nyree Wallace, one of the committee at hand sums it up beautifully, “The sea of purple passion and purpose! The energy buzzing through the showgrounds felt like it could lift the whole town off its feet. You could practically feel the beat of Dancing in the Street ripple through the crowd like thunder and sunshine all at once.

Moments like that aren’t just events; they become a collective memory etched into the heart of the community.”

By the end of the event, excitement for a repeat performance was palpable. Julie says, “Every dance school from Coffs to the Tweed should be in it – maybe we should have it in Ballina? See if we can beat our own record!”

Anne teaches JazzXercise at Rous Hall on Monday and Thursday, 9.30 til 10.30am.

Julie teaches Zumba at Ballina Uniting Church, 8.30 Monday and Friday.