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The opening of a brand new state-of-the art dance studio at �������� (��������) has seen students buzz with excitement as they refine their routines in the new space.

The newly completed studio comes at an ideal time, cementing the significant successes of the growing dance program at ��������.

Year 11 and 12 dance students were the first to enjoy the newly completed studio, with first classes held in mid-March. Dance captain, Eleanor Incoll was delighted with the new space.

“The new dance studio is immaculate! It provides a great environment to further develop our skills. I will be thrilled to use the room for my upcoming Trials and HSC Examination later this year.”

The new studio is a sophisticated space featuring 110 square meters of the highest quality sprung flooring and a mirrored wall and barre. It is acoustically engineered with sound-proof walls and boasts technological inclusions such as a digital screen for projection and an integrated, wireless sound system.

Built as an addition to the Performing Arts Centre, the air-conditioned studio is a spacious, functional area with change rooms, office space and a costume storage facility.

The flourishing dance program at �������� has seen a host of achievements in recent years. In both 2017 and 2018 over 50% of HSC dance students achieved a prestigious band 6 in the subject.

In 2017 more than 80% of students received nominations for Callback, NESA’s showcase of exemplary performances and compositions by HSC dance students. In 2018, student Stephanie McDougal received unprecedented success in Callback. Stephanie was nominated for all three of her dances, and selected for two, performing at the Seymour Centre Sydney in front of students from across NSW.

Many students completing the dance program at �������� have gone on to study full-time dance in well-renowned studios across Australia. The school has also seen success in regional competitions, as one of only 8 finalists in the City of Sydney eisteddfod’s ‘Grand Final Gala’, which draws from from a large pool of dance schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Dance teacher and convenor, Larissa Koch says “I’m so proud of what we have achieved in our dance program so far at ��������. Our students have had some incredible achievements in a short time and I feel inspired to continue and expand on these successes in our new facility.”

The diverse dance program at �������� offers students a range of choices. Dance is integrated into the curriculum from K to 6, and students can study elective dance from Years 9 to 12. Cocurricular groups include various dance ensembles and competitive companies across Years 3 to 6 for boys and girls. In the upper grades a new offering for Year 7 and 8 prepares students for elective dance, and choices for senior students comprise of a Jazz ensemble, contemporary ensemble group, and a senior lyrical company. All classes are taught by specialist dance teachers.

“Dance at �������� has overseen an incredible and rapid rise in the last four years”, said Director of Performing Arts, Mr Lee Fleming.

“A resource like this will allow our team to further extend our outstanding levels of success in the curriculum and co-curricular programs. Students and teaching staff are so appreciative of this fantastic specialist space and the positivity and enjoyment in rehearsals is palpable.”