In a Schools Spectacular first local dancers had the chance to join thousands of performers from across the state in the first massed dance rehearsal for the 2019 Schools Spectacular.
Never before in the 36-year history of the Schools Spectacular have every one of dancers had the opportunity to come together to rehearse the iconic grand finale on Monday (28 October).
Technology has now enabled dancers who could make it to the home of the Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park to log in from their school for a live link to be part of the rehearsal.
This year 2300 dancers will share the stage, including performers from*:
- Aldavilla Public (CD)
- Banora Point High (CD)
- Bogangar Public (CD)
- Camden Haven High (CD)
- Coffs Harbour Senior College (CD)
- Forster Public (CD)
- Grafton High (AD)
- Kingscliff High (CD)
- Kingscliff Public (CD)
- South Grafton High (AD)
Highlighted among them will be Featured Dancer from the Mid North Coast and North Coast:
- Bowraville Central – Shelayna Boorer
The grand finale when all the 5500-strong cast come together on stage to celebrate their performance has become recognised as the jewel in the crown of the Schools Spectacular.
And the massed dance rehearsal has become recognised as the trigger for rehearsals at hundreds of locations across the state to gather momentum for the four Schools Spectacular performances on Friday, 22 (11am, 7.30pm) and Saturday, 23 (1pm, 7.30pm) November.
Schools Spectacular Creative Director, Sonja Sjolander said the excitement builds as preparation gathers pace.
“The enormity of the Schools Spectacular is becoming a reality.
“The year’s Schools Spectacular theme is STARS.
“It is a tribute to each and every one of our performers who will be a star and crucial to making this the best Schools Spectacular ever.
“Together we will celebrate their devotion to doing their best at every performance, and the dedication of the teachers, staff, parents and community who work so hard to get them on stage.”
Ms Sjolander said this year’s Schools Spectacular will feature 5500 performers drawn from public schools across the state.
The galaxy of talent includes 40 Featured Performers, an incredible 100-piece symphony orchestra, stage band, 2,700-voice choir, 2,300 amazing dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble disability program, the Aboriginal Dance Company, puppets and an indispensable behind-the-scenes team.
In the true spirit of variety, the fast-paced show will transition through a colourful choreographed kaleidoscope of music from pop and hip hop to the classics, from a crescendo of massed voices to stunning solos, and a full spectrum of dance styles.
While the show will be recorded for later broadcast across the Channel 7 networks Australia-wide, the best way to appreciate the Schools Spectacular is live at the Qudos Bank Arena. Tickets, available through Ticketek, are already selling fast so now is the time to secure your preferred seats.