IN the cotton growing region of south west Queensland men and women in work boots and stubbie shorts usually fill the town.
But on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tutus and pink ballet flats take over St George.
Maranoa Performing Arts was established in 2008 but gained momentum from 2013 and provides little girls, and boys, with an opportunity to learn a syllabus of dance based from Russian and French styles.
The school is the brainchild of Ballon Shire deputy mayor and dance teacher Fiona Gaske who grew up in a bush town where a dance teacher would drive two hours to provide lessons.
She noticed the need for arts in the area and wanted to provide rural children with other opportunities outside of their traditional farming lifestyles.
From just 12 students in her initial intake, Cr Gaske now teaches 70 children ranging from three to 15 years of age and travelling from properties all over the district.
“These country people they will soak up any opportunity and will do anything to help you make it work,” she said.
“I’m a big believer that the arts contribute to a holistic education.
“Well rounded human beings have an appreciation across the board. For our children to have that opportunity they can then take their place in whatever they choose to do. Performing arts is like any team sport, it’s character building.”
Michelle Freshwater lives one hour north of St George and enrolled her daughter, Claire in the dance school two years ago.
She used to drive her two children to Roma for gymnastics but when the pair decided they wanted to play soccer in St George it meant Claire could finally pursue her love of dance.
“It’s fabulous and it’s confidence building as well,” she said.
“They all get up on stage and do their concert and to have that confidence to get up in front of those people and perform.”
Cr Gaske said children shouldn’t think that they have less opportunities or talents based on their rural locations.
“I have an expectation that just because we live in the bush it doesn't mean they aren’t going to be as good dancers as the city,” she said.
“They do achieve that same technical ability. We have a lot of talent.”
She said it was tough teaching some children for years and then see them leave for boarding school as they were starting to reach their potential.
Cr Gaske also runs adult ballet and yoga classes.
For more visit www.facebook.com/maranoaperformingarts