Tutus and slippers are not your everyday attire in the outback, but in Julia Creek a local teacher is attending to the dreams of many young children.
Amy Tinning, 23, is a university trained dance teacher and is inspiring young girls and boys to become dancers.
Starting her business three years ago in a time of hardship for local cattle graziers, Ms Tinning was concerned if the community would take to her Branches Performing Arts studio.
Today hosting 14 classes a week for her 40 students that concern is no more.
Her students travel from Julia Creek, Richmond and surrounding stations to learn the vast variety of dance including: ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary.
Although students are already confident and active on the back of a horse or motorbike, Ms Tinning said dance was an escape and a chance for students to express themselves.
“I could have started my school anywhere but I felt there was a specific need for it in the bush,” she said.
“I grew up on cattle stations around Queensland but my family settled on a Dalgonally Station near Julia Creek seven years ago. Being so remotely isolated my mum spent hours in the car taking me to dance lessons and competitions.
“My background made me want to provide a school closer for children living in remote Queensland.”
Ms Tinning provided opportunities for students to perform at competitions travelling to Mackay, Charters Towers and Mount Isa last year.
“All of my students look forward to competing and showcasing what they have learnt,” she said.
“It is lovely to be a part of the Mount Isa Eisteddfod in particular because they are doing the same thing that we are in terms of dancing in a remote area.
“It is great to be able to travel to competitions and mingle with students in a similar situation.
“I had several students place first in Mount Isa Eisteddfod, and considering their level of dance and where they come from, it is a massive achievement.”
Ms Tinning has opened enrollments for 2017 and said she looked forward to seeing some new and familiar faces in dance classes this year. Classes will start on January 30.