CDC- History

Company History

“I DREAM THINGS THAT NEVER WERE .......AND SAY WHY NOT?!”

There’s always a catalyst for a momentous happening.

For Laycock Dance Theatre (not Central Dance Company (Australia)) the seeds of conception were being sown in the hopes and dreams of dance teacher Margaret Zaia, who had cherished for 15 years the vision of forming a Dance Company to harness the burgeoning talents of the young dancers of this region. She was waiting for the right ingredients – the right people and the right time.

Two events nourished the seed to fruition –
The Central Coast Dance Association was formed in 1986 for the express purpose of promoting dance in the region and creating avenues for young dancers to experience as many facets of dance as possible. Margaret, as Treasurer was a prime mover in this venture and found an ally in Diane Booth (President) who shared the same vision...
In June 1987 construction began on the Laycock Street Theatre – the Central Coast’s first and only theatre to cater for the performing arts. The project was instigated by Gosford Musical Society with sponsorship from Gosford City Council and support from the N.S.W Bicentennial Commemorative Committee...

Into this scenario came Patti Gleeson – a highly respected freelance dance professional choreographer and adjudicator – returning to the Central Coast after an absence of some 20 years.

The executive committee and members of CCDA commissioned Patti to stage a 3 act ballet for the new Theatre's opening celebrations. With a huge cast of 73 dancers - auditioned from 13 studios from across the Coast - it was a resounding success and made a significant financial contribution to the fledgling theatre.

The ballet.... "Pearl of the Sea" thus became the catalyst for the realization of dreams....

The excellent rapport between Patti, Margaret and Diane and the absolutely professional product they presented convinced the then Theatre Manager - Don Craig - of the potential for a Dance Company based at Laycock Street Theatre. He envisaged this as the apex of the dance pyramid on the Central Coast;- to nurture, encourage and promote talented young dancers in a professional environment.

At last - the seeds planted with faith and hope so long ago, finally burst forth and the Laycock Dance Theatre was born in early 1990.

Under the patronage of Christine Walsh AM, one of Australia's leading ballerinas enjoying international status, and Ricardo Ella, 20 dancers were chosen for the Premier Season.

Laycock Dance Theatre was officially launched at a VIP cocktail party at Laycock Street Theatre on July 8th 1990, before a distinguished gathering of guests from the Arts, Politics and the Media.

Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer - Patti Gleeson, with co-founding Directors Margaret Zaia and Diane Booth, guest Choreographer Michael Montgomery, and fellow board members Alan Graham and John Kerr - outlined the company's projects for 1990 and beyond. The 'Friends of LDT' was established including Ruth Dunn, an ex-dancer and eventual board member - to garner support for the new project.