2020 has been a year like no other. Halfway through the year when local dance students from Dance 2590 were learning routines via a computer screen in their living rooms and social distancing was the mantra of the moment, no-one could have imagined they would end the year with yet another amazing concert.
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In her first year at the helm of the dance studio on her own, Hannah Northey was determined to do everything she could for her students as Covid restrictions bit down on all Australians.
All of term two and part of term three classes were held on-line only as students prepared for a concert which might not happen. Whether an end-of-year concert eventuated or not, these online lessons became something for students to look forward to during a difficult time.
"At the start of term three I would have never imagined we could even dream of achieving a concert, let alone the amazing concert we provided to our six audiences over (last) weekend," Mrs Northey said.
As the year wore on, the threat of Covid eased and governments began relaxing restrictions as a result.
This was terrific news for the entire arts industry, and for Dance 2590 meant their annual end of year concert was still on the cards and the routines students had been learning at home would be shown to the public.
The concert theme was 'Mamma Mia, here we go again', and by all accounts provided the trademark upbeat moves and music people have come to expect from Dance 2590.
All genres offered by Dance 2590 were covered including jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and tap.
The comply with the current, albeit relaxed from earlier in the year, restrictions, Dance 2590 had to separate students into two groups - junior and senior. This allowed the social distancing required while students got ready at the Ex-Services Club.
Each concert could have a maximum of 83 people.
The junior concert contained 23 acts while the seniors performed 21 acts. The concerts ran one after the other on Friday, November 20 with a matinee and evening performance of both on the Saturday.
Mrs Northey said it is difficult years like this one that make all of the hard work worthwhile.
"To see some some slight form of normality and the smiles on each and every students' face, from my 3-year-olds to our ladies and this year we welcomed a group of boys or men who partnered our senior students," Mrs Northey said.
While so much was different this year, other aspects remained the same.
In previous years, Dance 2590 has enjoyed partnering with the Elouera Special School and giving students an opportunity to be part of the concert.
"To see those beautiful children perform and achieve their dreams is what it is all about," Mrs Northey said.
"We thank the Cootamundra community for always supporting us and giving us the inspiration and drive to come back each and every year to provide a truly magical concert like no other."
Mrs Northey particularly thanked her teachers who assisted her this year - Emilee Newman, Danni Earnshaw, Laura Ward, Emily Bodycott and Sam Graham.
"We look forward to a new and exciting year next year with a huge dance year planned for Dance 2590," Mrs Northey said.
The dance concert season in Cootamundra has also seen Christine Wisharts' Dance Studio host their annual concert series while the Chris Edwards School of Dance ballerinas will round of the season.
