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Schools Spectacular
Schools Spectacular, the world’s largest amateur variety show that shines a spotlight on the talents of NSW public school students and has become a highlight on the Sydney entertainment calendar, returned in 2022 to QUDOS BANK ARENA stage on Friday, 25 & Saturday, 26 November.
This year’s show will featured 4,700 students from 350 schools who showcased dance and musical performances accompanied by stage bands, a 100-piece orchestra, a 2,100 voice choir and complete state-of-the-art sound, lighting and staging whilst celebrating youth, education, culture and diversity.
dancetrain was lucky enough to chat with some bright, young performers for this year’s Schools Spectacular 2022 Creating the Magic. With the show televised nationally in prime-time on Channel 7 on 17th December and again on 23rd December, it’s no wonder these students were excited to get out into the arena and perform. They have given some great insight about the experience and why other dancers hesitating to audition in 2023 should just go for it and not hold back.
Aimee Hackney from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
“I have participated in School Spec since Year 4 – I am 18. It’s been a long time, but the love and energy keep bringing me back and positivity from everyone. My favourite part of School Spec is joining together with everyone, especially with the younger performers. I feel like a role model. I hope to have a career in dance. My dream is going to The Joffrey Ballet.”
Asher Katrakis-Owen from Newtown High School of Performing Arts, Danceworks
“The last time I was here was in Year 6. This year, I have got the part of a featured artist, which is exciting. I love collaborating with other people. The finale is my favourite part of the show. Seeing that many people on stage, from all over the state and seeing how big the dance community is in New South Wales is amazing.”
Finn Hutchinson from Lake Munmorah High School
“This is my first year at School Spec, and it’s better than I thought it would be. I saw it on TV, but doing it is a different experience. My advice for people thinking about doing it next year is just to go for it, you will meet lots of different people, and it’s an enjoyable experience to have all together. I would love to go on and dance professionally in a commercial or musical theatre career.”
Ciara Connolly from Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus
“I have done School Spec since Year 4, and I am now in Year 10, and will hopefully continue on next year. I am really excited to be a featured soloist partnered with a featured singer this year. For those wanting to get involved, step outside of your comfort zone because you never know what lies beyond it. It’s a really fun process, and each year brings something new. This experience keeps bringing me back because of the friendships, and I love that we get the opportunity to work with amazing choreographers and students that want the same thing as you.”
Lili-Rose Delerue from Northern Beaches Secondary College Mackellar Girls Campus
“This is my first time at School Spec, and I love it. I would definitely do it again. It is so good to be with people from different schools; the arena is so big and exciting. I am most looking forward to performing in front of a large crowd, especially because we were unable to perform on stage for the last couple of years due to COVID. My advice to people who are not sure is just to do it. It’s a great opportunity. Now that I have done it, I am thrilled I did it.”
Sophie Szabo from Hunter School of Performing Arts
“I am 15 years old, and it’s my first year at Hunter School of Performing Arts. My friends encouraged me to join School Spectacular, and I am glad because I am very much at home here. I am in the tap ensemble, which is fabulous. It is worth auditioning; you get so much experience. You also get treated like it is a big deal.”
Sydney Mickle from Distance Education
“This is my first year at School Spec. It’s really fun meeting new people. It’s just a different experience dancing with cameras, lighting and a huge stadium- it is so enriching. One of the choreographers told me to audition, so I thought, why not. I think what has surprised me the most is how big it is. It is a whole community, and it is great to be a part of the fun. For those thinking about it, just do it – got for it. It’s better to just go for the opportunity and not hesitate.”
schoolsspectacular.com.au
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