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VIDEO: Rebuilt team knows the drill
ROLL OF HONOUR: Ian rolls up his sleeves for family
DRILL dancing is not something to be taken lightly - nor is it something that can be picked up on a whim.
Central Victorian team E-J's Drill Dance Club has recently reformed after losing all of its uniforms and equipment in a fire three years ago.
This weekend, they performed alongside teams from Mildura, Geelong, Werribee and Melton at the annual drill dance competition in Bendigo.
Bright costumes, military-style hats and props featured at the event - which travels to different regional towns each year.
The style of dance - originating in World War II as a way for women to keep fit - is becoming increasingly popular in central Victoria and across the state.
With regimented dance moves and strict judging criteria, secretary Lauren Rutledge said all members were committed to drill dance.
"For me it's a 24/7 committment - work comes second," she said.
"We were born into it - my mum has been dancing since she was eight - so we don't know anything different.
"We love everything about it."
Sister and fellow member Natalie Rutledge teaches the junior team and says dancing is a big part of her life too.
"It's just so rewarding to see our students nail a move after weeks of hard work," she said.
"There's such discipline involved."
Since the 80s, drill dancing has progressed from straight marching into more freestyle dance routines.
Lauren and Natalie said the team loved exploring all areas of drill dancing.
"There's themed drill sections, military drill with props, straight marching - a bit of everything," Natalie said.
"I've never known anything else."
For me it's a 24/7 committment - work comes second.
- Lauren Rutledge