Parkour and breakdancing to heat up City’s school holiday program

High energy parkour and breakdancing performances, an electrifying ‘JUNK Orchestra’ transforming everyday items into musical instruments, a live magic show and Olympic-inspired sports and recreational activities are set to bring the heat to Parramatta for the City’s School Holiday Program this month.

The program is headlined by Western Sydney’s Dauntless Movement Crew who will lead a series of shows and interactive workshops at our historic Parramatta Town Hall, mixing dance with acrobatics in a friendly and safe space.

At Riverside Theatres, award-winning children’s comedy act, Children are Stinky and a musical adaptation of Australian author Tim Winton’s Bugalugs Bum Thief are set to take centre stage for plenty of laughter and entertainment.

On screen, kids movies including Inside Out 2 and The Mountain take viewers on transformative journeys from discovering new emotions and the magic of friendship at Riverside Cinema.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said there are many interactive performances, workshops and free activities on offer these school holidays.  

“Breakdancing is set to debut at the Olympics this year and we’re bringing this sport to the heart of Parramatta,” Cr Esber said.

“There’s a bit of everything for kids of all ages but more importantly, we want to make sure families experience something new and different each time.”

Dauntless Movement Crew Director, Joseph Carbone said dancing and acrobatics have come a long way and they’re excited to share their stories and skills with their community.

“We’re excited to transform Parramatta Town Hall into an electrifying urban playground, mixing hip hop, breakdancing, acrobatics, parkour and circus acts,” Mr Carbone said. 

“This is not just a show, but an interactive extravaganza that will captivate and energise every spectator. Be prepared to be amazed by flawless tricking sequences and breath taking displays of agility and artistry.

“All the hard work and dedication over the years has led us to perform weekly across the world and we’re looking forward to igniting a spark in the hearts of the next generation in Western Sydney.”

Capoeira, Flag Gridiron and European Handball being run by Australian Women’s European Handball coach, Heba Aly are new activities being introduced in the Active Parramatta sports and recreational program.

“Our Olympic-inspired Active Parramatta program has combined popular sports such as athletics, basketball, fencing, and hockey to help kids get into the green and gold spirit while staying active,” Cr Esber said.

Active Parramatta offers 45 free sports classes for kids of all ages across the City.

To book or find out more about the July school holiday program, visit Riverside Theatres and Council’s website.

School holiday highlights include:

Junkyard Beats When: 8-9 July Times: 11am, 2pm Where: PHIVE & Parramatta Town Hall - Parramatta Square entry Cost: $10, adults at children’s prices

Children are Stinky When: 11-13 July Times: 11am, 1pm Where: Riverside Theatres  Cost: Tickets from $24.50

Adam Mada - Making Magic LIVE When: 11-13 July  Times: 11am, 3pm  Where: PHIVE & Parramatta Town Hall - Parramatta Square entry Cost: $10, adults at children’s prices

Bugalugs Bum Thief When: 17-21 July Times: Various sessions Where: Riverside Theatres Cost: Tickets from $29

Dauntless Movement Crew workshops When: 18-20 July Times: 12.30-1.15pm Where: PHIVE & Parramatta Town Hall - Parramatta Square entry Cost: Free, registration essential