L2R Dance
- Sep 4
- 2 min read

'The L2R Story' – 10 Years of dance, community and empowerment

On July 31, 2024, over 150 of L2R Dance's closest community – including staff, board members, dancers, students, family and friends came together at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans Community Centre to celebrate a major milestone in our journey – THE BIG 1-OH!

From a grassroots community group run by Founder Jacinda, out of Western English Language School to a thriving community of young people and artists celebrating hip hop and street dance across Melbourne’s West and beyond, our rise to Australia's only youth not-for-profit organisation has been legendary.

Watch the entire documentary, shot and edited by Kimberly Summer

The evening was a commemoration of the founding of L2R with a special screening of 'The L2R Story' – a showcase of the change, growth and development we have experienced over the past decade.

The film, shot and edited by Kimberly Summer, spotlights some of our earliest program participants and their pathway from attending free classes in the West, to joining the Igniting Legends mentorship program and now, working as professional dancers in our artistic team.

It was also a night of reflection and reconnection, with a panel discussion following the film screening. We heard from L2R veterans Nolly, Urlik and Yolande alongside Panda Squad participants Keiko and Rena on some their favourite dance moves and their most cherished L2R memories.

Facilitated by our Programs Manager, Lowell, the chat elicited many laughs and even a few tears as we reminisced on the early days of L2R and our humble beginnings.

"The night filled my cup! It was a beautiful walk down memory lane. I felt so proud – connecting and reconnecting through hugs, stories and giggles with so many gorgeous new and OG L2R members and their families. Thank you to everyone who came through and has believed in us over the last decade. I did feel a lil old, but lucky I have L2R to keep me young!" – Jacinda Richards, Founder and CEO of L2R Dance

The night was just as much about us as, you, our community. L2R Dance would like to thank all of our amazing supporters, funders and partners for your financial and in-kind support over the past ten years.

Your belief in us has paved the way for Melbourne’s next generation of movers, shakers and leaders. We are so excited to continue working together for the next ten years (and more!), building a brighter and more inclusive future through dance.

Most importantly, we are indebted to you, our community – to all the young people and artists, parents and siblings, aunts and uncles (and grandparents!), staff members and board.

Thank you for a decade of unforgettable memories, support, encouragement, collaboration, inspiration and joy. The collective power of dance makes us unstoppable.