A Dolly Parton themed tour is heading to Dalveen Community Hall on 5 May, celebrating the patron saint of self-love and line dancin’ properly.
Lonely Boot Creations is preaching the good word of Dolly Parton up and down the East Coast with their jubilant event, the Dolly Parton Dance Party.
A chance to dance with sparkly self-expression, it honours Saint Dolly for the spiritual leader she truly is.
For nearly 60 years, Dolly has been singin’ her heart out, urging us to be the brightest, truest, gaudiest version of ourselves. She’s world-wise, intelligent, inclusive, and huge-hearted. Her teachings, known as Dollyisms, are just like her: profoundly meaningful but wrapped in sparkly packaging!
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
“If you don’t like the path you’re walking on, start paving another one.”
“If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours.”
“It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”
It’s this upbeat approach, shiny self-confidence and ability to laugh at herself that makes ‘Dolly’ an attitude worth tapping into.
Queensland line dancing teacher, Georgia Grayson from Lonely Boot Creations, has been doing just that, with a stellar season at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and regional South Australian shows through Fringe on Tour.
“What would Dolly do? is my spiritual compass,” Georgia laughed.
“For me, the magic of Dolly is that she believes in herself but she also doesn’t take herself too seriously! And that’s exactly the kind of attitude you need to enjoy yourself on the dance floor.”
The Dolly Parton Dance Party is where worship meets workshop. In a bright, accessible session, attendees learn both the principles of Dollyism and a series of fun, easy line dances to Dolly songs. And let’s not forget a little Dolly trivia and the much-coveted Dolly Parton Look-Alike Competition.
Emboldened by the support of the Adelaide Fringe Festival Artist Fund and the feedback of Dolly devotees, Georgia is jumping (pink cowboy) boots and all into bringing some sparkle to regional locations – physically and metaphorically speaking.
“Rhinestone studded jumpsuits: they just leave sequins everywhere… I wonder if Dolly has this problem?” she joked.
The Rhinestone World Tour includes sixteen shows in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
It all kicks off on April 22, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
It’s perfect for anyone over the age of eight, no matter how many left feet you have. Big hair and rhinestones are encouraged. So, if you’re still on the fence, ask yourself, ‘what would Dolly do?’
