By Matthew Sims
Students from across the South East are gearing up for the performance of a lifetime, with on stage and behind the scenes talent putting the final touches on this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Featuring a cast and crew of 3000 Victorian government school students, including dancers, vocalists, orchestra musicians and circus artists, the extravaganza will be performed over two shows on Saturday 14 September at John Cain Arena.
Berwick Secondary College student Laila Cameron-Dukes will be one of a number of students performing in the First Nations Ensemble, returning after performing last year.
“I had a great experience last year that I knew I wanted to do it again this year,“ she said.
“It’s amazing to share my culture through dance to help others learn more about who I am and where I come from.
he ensemble s a great opportunity for First Nations students to work with the incredible Na Djinang Circus, a leading First Nations circus company, to tell our stories through dance.“
Laila said she loved expressing her culture through dance.
“I’ve discovered so much about my culture through dance and ceremony, so I absolutely love sharing stories and expressing myself through dance,“ she said.
“I’m really excited about performing with my friends and showcasing my dance in front of a big crowd, especially since it will be on TV.
“Performing makes me feel calm and relaxed as I love dancing and it’s something I’m passionate in and confident about.“
Pakenham Secondary College student Jackson Newman-Watkins will be one of about 10 students forming the ’vision’ team this year, involved in filming the show for the Channel 7 broadcast.
“I have currently been learning how to control a camera,“ he said.
“This consists of how to build the camera, what the lens does and how it focuses and how it all migrates into one where it all becomes part of the show.
“As my sister had the guts to get up in front of many people, I thought why not as I had an interest in media and arts whilst I was in primary school.“
This year’s show, Splash, was inspired by a theme suggested by the cast.
The show will portray a little girl’s dream sequence, sailing across the seas, exploring rivers, and delving into life above and beneath the waves, right down to the microscopic world of a drop of dew.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vic.gov.au/victorian-state-schools-spectacular
