Dance 

It’s been yet another productive couple of weeks in the dance studio here at Saltwater. The Preps and Year One student have settled in well and are now in full swing with all that’s happening in the dance classes. Students are becoming more familiar with the warm-up sequence which is helping them to identify their left and right sides, different body parts and various muscle groups at a quicker pace. They are gaining confidence in asserting themselves to the tasks at hand from warm-ups, to freestyle, and to the choreography, we work on. 

Recently we have been covering timing, rhythms, and syncopation while creating various steps at the same time. This is where the legs are moving on one count as the arms and upper half are moving and working on different counts and speeds. This has helped students with their coordination, attention to detail, and body awareness, while also building their confidence as we work towards achieving these tasks and challenges. We discuss certain details in exercises and tasks as the student's study and dissect what they think is the better outcome or option to achieve what we’re aiming for. This helps them become more aware, confident, and efficient in their actions and analysing what’s happening. 

Year Seven students have embarked on and started a new challenge using a musical theatre song from the smash hit show Hamilton called “My Shot”. This is a song neither of the students have heard before or are familiar with, along with only a select few having heard of the show. We reflected back on the story line of the show and the creator of it briefly, and how he got started and created two amazing Broadway smash hit musicals and a movie from nothing. This was to also help give students insight as to what can be possible when all else seems impossible once you put your mind and focus to it. 

As I mentioned to students in class regarding opportunities or goals and how to make things happen…’don’t wait…create!’…it all starts with you. Using the selected song I have created and started a group routine with all the students explaining all the elements needed to make this a strong and successful performance. The group then has to work together to finish off the second half of the routine, combining their creative ideas, concepts, skills, and strengths to finish it off and make it happen. This also highlights teamwork, communication, and problem solving skills while everyone compromises to help reach the goals and tasks set out. 

As we continue this exercise it’s amazing to see how the students perceive the task at hand and collectively work out of their comfort zones to achieve what’s required. The finished product will then be performed to fellow Year 7 students once completed.Victorian State School Spectacular combined rehearsals have commenced for 2022, with our selected Saltwater students representing our school and community at the highest level yet again! It was so great to be amongst other schools all learning the new songs and routines to be performed in September at John Cain Arena for this huge show! 

Our students worked very hard through a gruelling full day rehearsal at St Albans School learning 5 routines for the Mass Dance section of the show. From here we continue on back at school with weekly rehearsals up skilling and updating all the finer details of the routines and choreography passed on before heading back for a second full day rehearsal. Last year Saltwater College set the bar high amongst other schools in rehearsals and this year everyone is just as eager to do the same again and more. 

The energy and enthusiasm amongst the students this year is amazing and it’s great to see everyone working together and supporting each other so well! This is only the first week of rehearsals and we can’t wait to see how they are by the time we hit the main stage! Congratulations to all on an amazing start and can’t wait to see what’s ahead!