Spectators at the fifth annual ‘Flowers in Motion’ event were entertained, entranced and had their taste buds excited by the symphony of talent on display across a range of TAFE disciplines.
TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute’s (SWSi’s) Padstow College once again hosted ‘Flowers in Motion’ – a showcase of floristry and beauty skills - on Thursday, 13 November 2014.
Some 1000 spectators indulged in a veritable feast for the senses - a showcase of entertainment, floral displays and delicious food and drinks served up by TAFE SWSi students.
The centrepiece of the event as usual was a catwalk parade featuring 60 models wearing elaborate floral couture designed by Floristry students from TAFE SWSi, Padstow College.
However, TAFE SWSi Floristry Head Teacher, Joanne Hynard, said the event also provided a platform for a broader range of students to flaunt the skills they’ve acquired at TAFE.
“There were 200 to 250 floristry students of all different levels involved in showcasing their work,” she said. “However, we also had the event management students running the show; the hair and beauty team doing the makeup; the hospitality section catering the event; butchery supplying the meat products and the photography section doing the video and photos.”
‘Flowers In Motion’ also featured static floral displays aligned to the theme of the event – a Symphony of Flowers. Hence, spectators encountered displays dubbed the Claire de Lune, Swan Lake, Mozart, Madame Butterfly and Bolero.
Music for the catwalk parade was also in tune with the Symphony theme and featured a wide range of music from Phantom of the Opera, Hair, ballroom, disco, dance of the flowers; Vivaldi’s four seasons and culminating in the sounds of Disney from films including Mulan and Maleficent.
Spectators were also treated to performances from roaming violinist, Arshur Varde, and Aria – an operatic woman’s quartet – in the entertainment marquee.
New sponsorship funds enabled this year’s ‘Flowers in Motion’ to introduce a number of innovations that enhanced the viewing and listening pleasure for spectators, Ms Hynard said.
“One sponsor provided us with ten thousand dollars’ worth of lighting,” she said. “And for the first time the models had a real catwalk at the higher professional viewing level. Previously we had a makeshift catwalk made up of cut down tables and desk,” she said.
Ms Hynard said the 2014 event exceeded all expectations, with record-breaking attendance and student participation.
“The 2014 ‘Flowers in Motion’ is officially the biggest ever showcase of floristry, hair and beauty skills in Sydney,” Ms Hynard said.
TAFE SWSi is one of the NSW’s premium trainers in Floristry, Beauty, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Butchery, Photography and Events, supporting industries which together employ thousands of students.
‘Flowers in Motion’ 2014 was sponsored by the Student Association; Sydneywide Party Hire; Bankstown City Council; Randstad; Romeo’s Chair; Koch & Co; ARIA; Ashur Varde – Violinist; and Sweet Treat Carts, Colombian Rose, Eleven Australia, Revesby Workers’ Club, Best Business, Leekien Grocery and Brunch Affair.
www.swsi.tafensw.edu.au
