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Premier Mark McGowan speaks about his Fringe World dad dancing at ZAP Circus show

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Josh ZimmermanThe West Australian
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VideoMark McGowan Dances at Perth Fringe

The choreographer behind Mark McGowan’s impromptu dance at a Fringe Festival show – which went viral on social media – has been revealed as his daughter Amelia.

The Premier was filmed dancing to the tune of Nelly’s Hot In Here, shaking his hips and popping and locking while the audience howled.

“I used a technique I've seen my daughter using when she does TikTok,” Mr McGowan said.

“Unfortunately I'm not as good at it as she is.

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“My mind went blank to be frank. I had hundreds of people there watching in this unexpected and embarrassing scenario and my mind went blank and all that came in was TikTok moves my daughter uses... and you saw the outcome.”

The Premier hula hoops on stage.
Camera IconThe Premier hula hoops on stage. Credit: Instagram/Bell Tower Times

Mr McGowan said he was taking in ZAP Circus with his family on Friday night when he was hauled on stage against his will.

“I went along to watch with my family and support Fringe and the woman who was a circus performer was very strong and she dragged me out of the crowd – forcibly – and made me embarrass and besmirch the good name of Western Australia,” he said.

“My kids told me on Friday night having watched it that Fringe should be renamed Cringe in light of their dad's performance.

“I was being a good sport but I just urge all news stations (planning to show the vision) to indicate there should be viewer discretion because once it's been seen it can't be unseen.”

Premier Mark McGowan dances on stage at Fringe World.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan dances on stage at Fringe World. Credit: Bell Tower Times/Instagram

The Premier, who also tried his hand at hula hooping, revealed there may also be some as yet unseen footage of his exploits.

“There were two hula hoops by the way. The one that appears online is my worse effort,” he said.

“My other effort was a bit more exuberant and far more enthusiastic and the hoop stayed up for far longer but I urge you not to watch it either.

“When I was 10 I could do hula hoops. Over the last 40 years or so my technique has diminished.”

When asked if he would win a “dance battle” with the Premier, Liberal leader Zak Kirkup didn’t seem too confident.

“I probably wouldn’t, no,” he laughed.

“I can say with confidence that he and I are probably quite similar with our movement.

“I don’t have a dance move that I can do at all.”

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