Performaing Arts Excursion

Melbourne Arts Centre

This term performing arts students had the sensational opportunity to attend shows at the Melbourne Arts Centre after receiving fully funded grants provided by the First Fund Call program. This allowed the students to be transported to Melbourne Arts Precinct and experience live dance theatre at no cost. The students and staff also had the opportunity to taste the culinary delights of South Bank for morning tea and lunch.

The year 8 drama class were part of a small audience to see the “9 Dimes- You and the Universe” by visionary choreographer Efren Pamilacan. This performance fused urban and contemporary dance with holographic 3D image overlays by HYPER REELIST and a mind-expanding soundtrack by Jason Ng. The focus of the work was to “put relationships, identity and mortality under the microscope… through the lens of space-time theory”.

On June 1st, the year 9 dance students watched the world renowned Sydney Dance Company’s “ab [Intra]” by acclaimed choreographer Rafael Bonachela. They got to witness the dancers warming up on stage and prior to the show beginning, the choreographer gave an introductory explanation and showing of particular sections of the dance. This was a great opportunity for students to connect to the show as they could easily recognise the dance phrases they were shown. The show created a hypnotic and ethereal world through the use of beautiful cello combined with electronica music and the intense physicality of the talented dancers. At the end of the show, Bonachela, the director, four dancers and other backstage crew had an open forum to discuss the show and working in the performing arts. This provided the audience with an insight into the many facets of the arts sector and ideas into further studies and employment opportunities in this field.

For many of our students this was their first foray into the world of live dance theatre and in fact their first time to the iconic Arts Centre and South Bank.

It was an amazing opportunity and experience for all involved!

Ms. Marie Bagnath