
WIRREANDA Public School has showcased their talents at the Hunter Schools Dance Festival.

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Held at NEX (Newcastle Exhibition Centre) or for locals, known as the Old Workers’ Club, two dance groups performed.
The Junior Dance Group (for students in Years 2 and 3) performed a tribute to The Lion King in celebration of the 25 year anniversary of the original film’s release.
The Primary Dance Group (for students in Years 4, 5, and 6) performed a tribute to the 50 year anniversary of the first landing on the moon.
The two teachers responsible for the dance groups, Miss Hannah Brown (Juniors) and Miss Corynne Darcy (primary) worked tirelessly with their young dancers in the lead up to the Festival.
The Hunter Dance Festival runs over four evenings and hosts more than 100 public primary and high schools from the Hunter Region.
News Of The Area caught up with Miss Corynne Darcy to ask about the Wirreanda dance groups.
She said, “Both groups started training a couple of lunch times a week from March.”
“We teach the choreography and all the formations.”
“We choose the theme and then select and order all of the costumes.”
“This year I even roped my father into making the American Flag prop and our P&C President made all of the primary dance group’s star headpieces.”
Teachers are already busy, so why do they take the extra time out of their day to assist with school dance News Of The Area asked Miss Darcy.
She said, “We do all this extra work to prepare form the Hunter Dance Festival because we love seeing the excitement and happiness it brings our students.”
“Many have never danced on a professional stage with lighting and sound before.”
“Many families cannot afford outside-of-school dance classes.”
“I have found that events like these are the things the kids will remember forever.”
“They never forget the experience.”
“I myself performed 30 years ago at the Hunter Dance Festival as a student with Irrawang High School.”
“Students gain performance skills, confidence, teamwork skills, co-ordination and incredible memories.”
“Our Primary group also got to participate in a dance masterclass with a professional hip hop choreographer from Sydney.”
The Wirreanda dance group also performed during Education Week, and will perform at the School Fete and later in the year at the Medowie Christmas Carnival.
By Heather SHARP
