Dance and Drama Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Dance and Drama

Senior Performing Arts Evening – A Night to Remember

On Thursday, 28th August, our annual Senior Performing Arts Evening lit up the stage with an incredible display of talent, creativity, and dedication. Students from both Dance and Drama, across Curriculum and Co-curricular groups, delivered wonderful and engaging performances that were a joy to watch.

This special evening was a celebration of the hard work our students have put in throughout the year — from countless rehearsals to their final moments under the spotlight. Their passion and commitment were evident in every performance, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Thank you to all the staff, families, and community members who came along to support the event. Your presence and encouragement mean so much to our performers.

Congratulations once again to all involved — you truly shone!

Year 5 Dance and Drama -Cultural Studies 

This term, the Year 5 students have been exploring dance and drama from cultures around the world, discovering how these art forms have shaped the world we live in today. Through their studies, they’ve gained insight into the cultural significance of performance and how dance and drama are deeply embedded in daily life across different communities.

Students engaged in a variety of practical experiences that highlighted teamwork, creativity, and coordination. For example, they explored elements of Chinese cultural performances by working with the fans or ribbons and participating in counterbalance activities inspired by the Lion Dance. They also learned how actions and gestures can be used to communicate stories or reflect nature, like the traditional Hula dance of Hawaii. A favourite among many was the Haka, which sparked discussions about how passion and commitment can enhance the power and execution of a performance.

The study commenced with an exploration of Indigenous Australian culture, where students learnt how Dreamtime stories are performed to educate and pass on knowledge through generations. In Greek Theatre lessons, they experienced mime and chorus work, understanding how movement performed in unison by large groups can create powerful storytelling.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue exploring even more styles and techniques, such as Commedia dell'arte, Shakespearean theatre, Capoeira, and the rhythms of African Dance.

The overall aim is to understand how dance and drama shape our lives, and to appreciate how these expressive forms are woven into the fabric of cultures around the world.

Year 3 Dance – Building Skills Through Dance

This term, Year 3 Dance lessons are inspired by the television show Ninja Warrior. The lessons aim to develop vital body skills while helping students make connections between dance and other sports. Students will learn how dance supports training for various sports and how the skills they use in their own sports can enhance their learning and development in dance.

Each week focuses on a different body skill, with students participating in a variety of activities designed to develop that specific area. For example, yoga is used to improve flexibility, while the game Dance Bullrush helps build stamina. A favourite lesson so far has been Balance, where students each had a balloon to practise balancing independently, with a partner, and while controlling the object.

The students are especially looking forward to the upcoming lesson on Agility, Power, and Jumping, where they will learn about parkour and take part in activities inspired by the television show The Floor is Lava.

The goal at the end of this unit is for students to design and complete their own obstacle course that incorporates all the body skills they have explored throughout the term.

Year 7 Drama Students Dive into the World of Scripting!

This term, our Year 7 Drama classes have been buzzing with creativity as students explore the exciting process of scripting for theatre. Building on their earlier work with improvisation and the elements of drama, they’ve been introduced to the unique conventions and structure of playscripts.

Students have learned how to bring stories to life on stage by developing characters, crafting dramatic tension, and understanding the different types of performance spaces. They have taken on the role of directors, making thoughtful creative choices to shape their scenes and performances. Collaborative work and critical thinking have been key as they analyse scripts and experiment with subtext, story, and setting.

The energy in the classrooms has been incredible, with students using their performance skills to engage audiences and communicate meaningful stories. The coming weeks will be especially exciting as students write and perform their own original scripts, showcasing their growing confidence and dramatic skills.

We’re proud of their progress and look forward to seeing their creativity continue to shine!

On Behalf of Mrs Humphries – The Senior Eisteddfod Dance Ensembles compete at The Hills Dance Spectacular

Congratulations to our Senior Dance Companies who competed at the Hills Dance Spectacular on Sunday 31 August. As always, they represented the School with maturity and showcased their incredible talent.

With some highly competitive sections, we are proud to have brought home a Highly Commended for the Senior Lyrical Dance Ensemble and a 3rd Place for the Senior Jazz Dance Ensemble.

What fabulous achievements!