Colo High dancers definitely Spectacular
by Maryann Callaghan
Twelve talented teen dancers from Colo High certainly created magic when they took to the biggest stage of their careers so far , to shine at this year ’ s Schools Spectacular .
Billed as an iconic cultural event and being televised nationally this month , the dozen students were specially selected to perform as part of the combined dance high school section .
As its name aptly suggests , the Schools Spectacular is a huge , professional , worldclass arena production – one of Australia ’ s largest annual variety events .
Performed at Qudos Bank Arena over 24 and 25 November , the Colo crew from Years 8-11 performed multiple shows starring alongside a 2100-person voice choir , 2200 dancers , a 100-piece symphony orchestra , 250-strong signing choir , stage bands and VET crew overseen by 600 teachers .
Some of Colo ’ s dancers in action ( in green ).
In all 4700 public school students took part this year , with the entire ensemble coming together for the grand finale in one showstopper of a performance .
“ It was an exhilarating experience that I ’ ll never forget ,” Megan in Year 8 at Colo said .
“ Everything about School Spec from performing to singing in the tunnels had such a fun-filled energy to it . Performing in front of thousands of people in amongst the live music and lights made me feel extremely grateful to have gotten this opportunity . I hope to come back for many more .”
The event gives young people valuable performance experience working with industry professionals – an unrivalled opportunity for any performing artist .
“ The collective energy and whole atmosphere were so thrilling it felt like a dream ! It was such a magical experience that I am so grateful to have finally been a part of ,” exclaimed Kyah in Year 11 .
“ Getting the opportunity to perform in front of so many people in such a huge stadium was so fun I want to do it all again .”
Colo High is a regular participant in the event , which began in 1984 . Hard work and term-long rehearsals during school lunch times and at Olympic Park came together to produce a polished performance celebrating the theme ‘ Creating the Magic ’.
“ We woke up many early mornings and caught the train full of excitement to learn the dances and get this amazing experience ,” Alexandra in Year 8 said .
Hawkesbury stars in action on Channel 7 , Saturday , 17 December , 6pm , then anytime on 7Plus . The dancers are pictured with teacher Kylie Skinner ( left ).
“ It was such a fun event . I met so many great people and friends there and am so grateful to have done this and am excited to hopefully do it again next year .”
Colo ’ s ensemble was supported by teachers Kate Gray and Kylie Skinner , with music teacher Tegan Bilbija part of the Spectacular ’ s production crew .
“ Many of our music and dance students have been inspired by this experience ,” dance teacher Kylie Skinner said . “ Supporting them throughout this process , seeing them develop in confidence and skill in each performance was such a joy .
“ The early mornings and late nights travelling to and from rehearsals and performances is totally worth the effort to see how much they gained .
“ The pure excitement and energy at the performances is inspiring .”
You can watch the Schools Spectacular 2022 ‘ Creating the Magic ’ broadcast on Saturday , 17 December on Channel 7 at 7pm .
A special encore screening will be held on Saturday , 23 December at 10.30pm after Carols in the Domain .
You can also watch it anytime on 7Plus .
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