MAD Dance

Semester One

In the first semester of MAD 2016, we have worked on a wide range of performances and assessments.

In term 1 we began working on our contemporary ad hip-hop troupe dances for the TFT Sports & Events Dancestar competition. We also worked on a themed piece called MAD Circus for song, Dance and Drama Night.

The year 8 students learnt about the human anatomy and used their knowledge to create a structured warm up with a partner. Each pair completed a written plan and ran their warm up during class time in term 2.

The year 9 students worked on creating solo pieces as part of their mid year exam. They had to choose or write a poem and create choreography which expressed the emotion and meaning portrayed in the piece of poetry.

In term 2 both the hip-hop and contemporary troupe made it through to the State finals of the dancestar competition. We used the feedback we received at the preliminary finals to modify and improve our dances for States. The hip-hop troupe finished in 4th place and the contemporary troupe had improved their score by 5 points, placing in first and qualifying for National Championships in Queensland.

The 15 students included in the contemporary troupe will be travelling to Queensland to compete at Nationals on 6th August 2016. We will be running some fundraising events to help us with the cost of flying to Queensland and staying there for 2 nights. We will also have a featured article in the Whittlesea Leader Newspaper.

Written by Natalie S & Tiarnah P (Year 8)

Semester Two

In Term 2, the year 8 & 9 Contemporary Troupe were crowned State Champions at the TFT Dancestar competitions, qualifying for Nationals. Haylee, Erin, Amilia, Naomi, Claudia, Indi, Taleisha, Taneesha, Natalie, Shannon, Megan, Emma, Harry & Kate all travelled to Queensland along with their families, to compete against schools from other states. Darcy, Emily & Ella also came along as their support team! The vibe at Nationals was an extraordinary experience and the dancers looked absolutely beautiful on stage.

In Term 3 & 4 MAD focused on routines for The Lakes 10 year anniversary production. Students from year 5 through to 9 worked tirelessly to learn their lines and routines. The bond grew between students across different year levels and the entire cast and crew worked amazingly together to put on a 4 show masterpiece.

To conclude the MAD year, 5/6 students created their own dances which they performed in front of the MAD music students. Year 8 & 9 students worked on a final piece for the end of year assembly as a tribute to farewell the year 9 dancers.