Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Kew Dancing Man tribute

A BALWYN sculptor who wants to immortalise Kew's much-loved "dancing man" is asking for the community's input.

Harry Solano has offered to honour the late Robin Madden with a sculpture.

Long remembered for dancing on street corners, especially at Kew Junction and in Balwyn, Mr Madden died on May 26 at St George's Hospital.

Mr Solano, owner of The Shoe Sculptor in Balwyn, said Mr Madden used to dance outside his shop at least once a week.

"He used to put a smile on my face," Mr Solano said.

"A lot of people have been missing him so I wanted to create a sculpture to keep his memory alive."

Mr Solano said he had contacted Boroondara Council with his two ideas to see if they would fund the material for the project.

Acting director of community development Helen Molnar confirmed the council was considering the sculpture.

Dr Molnar said the council had asked Mr Solano to provide details so his suggestion could be considered.

"We will wait for details of the proposal, including proposed materials, before making an assessment," Dr Molnar said.

A suggestion for a plaque at Kew Junction was being investigated.

Mr Solano said he was working on a proposal but wanted the community's feedback.

"I really want the community to be involved," he said.

"I have a few ideas but I want to know what people think - we could put a sculpture on each corner that he used to dance on and that would keep the cost low or we could do a life-size version in bronze or marble."

Mr Solano said Mr Madden had touched many people's lives and wanted to pay tribute to someone who had spread joy.

He said he would donate $5 from every heel and sole replacement at his shoe shop to help raise money.



Progress Leader 10 July 2012



http://progress-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/tell-us-kew-dancing-man-tribute/

Monday, July 2, 2012

‘Kew Dancing Man’ passes away

Eastern Suburbs icon Robin Madden, better known as ‘The Kew Dancing Man’, has sadly passed away.

Robin, who could regularly be seen grooving on a corner of the Kew Junction, became a local legend with his high kicks, big hand waves and eccentric dancing techniques.

‘The Kew Dancing Man’ would regularly take up his spot on the corner where passers-by would toot and wave in support of the lovable local, cheering up many a red-light wait.

Robin told the Herald Sun in 2007 that he danced because ‘it makes me happy’

‘People blow their horns at me and the coppers put their sirens on for me. They know me pretty well around here - I've been in Kew all my life’ Robin said.

Prague House in Cotham Road, where Robin lived for almost 10 years, say Robin passed away on Saturday at the age 67 after a battle with cancer.

He will be missed.



3AW
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/kew-dancing-man-passes-away/20120601-1zl9q.html