Students Make Leap From Class To Stage
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday June 9, 2005
PINK wigs, cowboy hats and leopard-skin prints vied for attention yesterday as the 18th annual South Coast Public Schools' Dance Festival began.
Festival committee member Kerri Harrigan, from Wollongong High School, said the event had evolved from humble beginnings. "There has been a huge growth since then in terms of numbers involved and quality of performance," Ms Harrigan said. "Dance is now a subject in schools, and is mandatory in primary schools as part of the creative arts program." This year 1000 students from 40 schools will be involved in the two-week festival at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.Students and teachers have been rehearsing for the dance festival since early this year.They have been planning and practising before and after school and even during lunch times."To get a polished, professional item you need every bit of that time," Ms Harrigan said.The festival will feature dances influenced by jazz, street funk, tap, and some contemporary moves."There will also be some cute little numbers," Ms Harrigan said, citing Jamberoo's kindergarten "Jungle Jivers" and a Grease-inspired routine from the school's Year 1 class.The festival ends on June 17, with daily matinee and evening sessions. It is non-competitive, but several schools will be chosen to represent the South Coast at the State Dance Festival in Sydney in September."We are looking for excellence in quality and choreography," Ms Harrigan said.
© 2005 Illawarra Mercury
