Dance challenge lifts Corryong spirits during fire clean up

A dance challenge has the Corryong community smiling as they get themselves back up on their feet, following the devastating bushfires that tore through the area. Watch the video.

FIRE-ravaged Corryong is dancing its way back to a “new normal”.

In a social media challenge — started in the local op shop — small businesses are nominating each other to post videos of workers dancing to Blanco Brown’s The Git Up song, as they get themselves back on their feet.

Personal trainer Rebecca Paton, who runs Commitment Fitness, is still without power and has used her time to help other businesses prepare to open their doors.

It was when she called in to the Corryong Op Shop to help out Lisa Greenhill that the idea sparked.

“We started cleaning up, vacuuming, going through clothes and I said ‘I see these CFA firefighters doing it, why don’t we do it here and tag another business?’,” Ms Paton said.

“And she said, ‘OK let’s put bras on’.”

The video, of the two women and local man Dale Humphrey who just happened to be in the shop at the time, has now had more than 24,000 views on Facebook.

The team at the local IGA, who had “so much fun creating it”, now have more than 125,000 views on Facebook.

“For a population of 1200 in our town that was everything we needed,” Ms Paton said.

“It not only makes everyone smile, but we can showcase individual businesses.”

The op shop nominated the local IGA, and then it was on to the Upper Murray Community Bakery. Individuals have also joined in on the fun.

They hope the publicity on social media will generate awareness of who they are and what they can offer, to encourage visitors back to the town.

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Ms Paton does not know how long she’ll be out of business, but in the meantime is committed to offering free fitness classes in her backyard until the end of the month.

“I’m sure a lot of people are struggling with their own thoughts and processes,” she said.

“You feel torn as to where you can prioritise your time.”