Treading the Boards. DMTA advance Summer School - Back in 2019! Report, page

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1 Treading the Boards The Rockhampton Grammar School Dance & Musical Theatre Academy Newsletter Issue No. 7 July 2018 Clockwise (top left) Heather, Kirsty and Grace (front row) enjoying the intermediate/senior class; A unique opportunity to link live to the Queensland Ballet headquarters in Brisbane; Students (and parents) enjoying the pointe shoe and costume presentation at the DMTA Dance Studios. Junior Friends for Life The Queensland Ballet Junior Friends programme is a wonderful opportunity for students across Australia to be part of The Queensland Ballet through newsletters, workshops, access to exclusive events and House Parties. In 2018, the DMTA studios were chosen as the venue for the Rockhampton House Party. Junior Friend members from a variety of local dance studios, joined together in February for an exciting one day event which included classical ballet technique and repertoire classes with Queensland Ballet artists and then a live video link to the House Party at the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane. This opportunity included a chat with other dancers and the Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, Li Cunxin. DMTA students Heather Maitland, Kirsty Maitland, Grace Hansen, Najwa Adams-Ebel, Tillie Hungerford, Lucy Perry-Barr, Millie O Brien, Mia Killoran and Patrick Robertson enjoyed working with the Queensland Ballet dancers and the chance to link to Brisbane to speak with other members of our state s very own Classical Ballet company. DMTA advance Summer School - Back in 2019! Report, page 3 dance@rgs.qld.edu.au

2 Taking the Dance Classroom to the Stage Many of our DMTA students take the knowledge and skills learnt in DMTA classes to the stage when they participate and even star in local musicals. A number of DMTA students, parents and staff were involved in the hit production of We Will Rock You earlier this year with representation from Elyena Belonogoff (student), Trinity March-Hoolihan (student), Lisa Kibblewhite (parent), Elisa Williams (parent) and Elizabeth Clarke (past student). During the July holidays, our Vocal and Drama teacher, Nola Smith and her sons Shannon and William, starred in the Yeppoon Choral Society s production of The King and I. Nola played the lead role of Mrs Anna Leonowens with Shannon playing the principal role of Prince Chulalongkorn and William playing Lunthar. A number of our students are also involved in the upcoming RGS Primary and Secondary Musicals of Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr and Strictly Ballroom. These musicals will showcase at the Pilbeam Theatre in Term 3. Students in Strictly Ballroom include Elyena Belonogoff, Wesley Muir, Madison Schneider, Trinity March-Hoolihan, Benedict Wright, Ella Giles, Shannon Smith, Ellouise Anderson, Mitchell Lower, Georgiana Russell, Roxy McDonald, Olivia Offord, Amelie Coates, Annelise Duckett, Luke Germann De Wet, Hayden Hanson, Isabella Hanson, Charlotte Hart, Hannah MacDonald, Mollie Merry-Simpson and Fynn Moran. Madagascar Jr also features a number of DMTA students including Adi Verma, Amelia Doyle, Ava Roche, Camilla Karooz, Chloe McAlister, Ella Plumb, Emerald Maddy, Jasmine Hudson, Lily Cooling, Lucy Donahue, Mave Burnett, Medha Koduri, Mia Killoran, Millie O Brien, Sienna Giles, and Trisha Saini. In October a number of DMTA students will also feature in the Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir s full-length production of Shrek the Musical with our very own Lita Hegvold as choreographer. Lead roles include Trinity March-Hoolihan as Gingy and Roxy McDonald as Dragon. The Academy wish all of our DMTA members in these upcoming musicals, the best of luck and encourage DMTA families to support these amazing productions. (Above) Nola Smith and son Shannon (back) along with fellow cast members from The King and I; (Right) William Smith, another of Nola s sons, in character for The King and I production in Yeppoon. Dancers Carrying on the Highland Tradition Every year, some of our Highland Dance students under the tutelage of Aimee Robertson, attend Highland Dance competitions within Queensland and interstate performing to local and international judges. The first half of 2018 has been no different with students travelling away to these competitions and reaping the rewards of their hard work in their weekly classes. Chloe Cookson competes in Premier competition level. She travelled to Mackay and placed in her dances with a second, two thirds and a fourth in the Premier Title. Chloe Cowan competed in Intermediate competition level. She also travelled to Mackay and was awarded six firsts, a third and first Intermediate Title. She was also awarded Dancer of the Day. She then competed in two competitions in Newcastle. In the Festival of Tartans competition, Chloe was placed with three firsts, two seconds and first in the Festival of Tartans Intermediate Title. At the Novocastrian Titles, Chloe gained a first, fourth and two fifths, with first in the Novocastrian Title. In May, Chloe travelled to Brisbane to compete and came home with seven first places and the Intermediate Aggregate. This competition completed her Intermediate level and Chloe is now eligible to dance in Premier sections. Tara Matheson is also one of our Intermediate competition dancers. She travelled to Newcastle over the Easter weekend to compete. Tara placed second, fifth and sixth in her dances. Heather Maitland competed in the Novice competition level. She also travelled to Newcastle to compete and was awarded with two firsts, a fourth and a third in the Festival of Tartans Title. Then she competed in the Novocastrian Titles and gained three firsts and placed first in the Novocastrian Title. These places completed Heather s Novice competition level and she will now compete as an Intermediate dancer. Isabella Yore competed as a Novice competition dancer. She danced in Maclean over the Easter weekend and received two firsts and a second place which placed her second overall. Isabella then competed in the South Queensland Highland Games and gained three seconds, giving her second overall. This competition completed Isabella s Novice competition level and she will now compete as an Intermediate dancer in competitions. Caitlin Yore is a Beginners competition dancer. She competed in her first Beginners competition at the Maclean Highland Gathering. Caitlin danced beautifully and enjoyed the Highland Dancing competition experience. Our Highland Dancers have also had the pleasure of entertaining residents at Leinster Place, dancing with the Rockhampton Pipe Band at the Taste of the World celebrations and dancing at Mackay s Bluewater Fling. (From left) Tara Matheson, Chloe Cowan and Heather Maitland at the Novocastrian Titles in Newcastle; Caitlin Yore, Isabella Yore, Chloe Cowan, Tara Matheson and Trinity Lowe danced at the Taste of the World Festival; Caitlin and Isabella Yore at the Maclean Highland Games; and Chloe Cowan and Chloe Cookson at International Dance Affair in Mackay.

3 Clockwise (top left) Kat Hoyos oversees final rehearsals for the Musical Theatre groups; Peta Anderson shares her amazing tap skills with senior students; Marnie Hungerford with her junior contemporary class; and Natasha Window shows how it s done with the intermediate jazz students. Inaugural advance Summer School a hit with local dancers This year saw the inaugural advance Summer School held at The Rockhampton Grammar School from 8-11 January. Four amazing tutors, Peta Anderson (Rhythm Tap), Natasha Window (Modern Jazz), Kat Hoyos (Musical Theatre) and past student Marnie Hungerford (Contemporary), worked with forty students ranging in age from eight to eighteen years of age over the four days. The workshops extended the students skills in the four genres of dance and allowed them the chance to work with professionals in the industry. The workshops culminated with a Showcase performance for fellow students and family members in the RGS Theatre on the last day of the Summer School. Trinity March-Hoolihan commented, I love to take any opportunity I can to work with people in the industry and I loved how challenging the workshops were and that everyday I felt like I have been able to conquer that little bit more. Tap tutor and Riverdancer Peta Anderson said, I worked on a lot of different time signatures with the kids and teaching them a little bit more of the history and where tap has come from which I wish I could have got a lot more of when I was a kid. It has been a really good experience for me as I think the standard up here in Queensland has been amazing and has given me great foundation to work with. I ve loved every minute of it! Past RGS student and School Captain (2014) Marnie Hungerford travelled from Perth to teach contemporary. I ve had a really great time. All the kids were so enthusiastic and it s been great teaching them some contemporary techniques and getting their creative responses from some tasks. Following the Summer School, senior students of DMTA enjoyed two full days working with Peta Anderson on a brand new senior tap group and with Natasha Window in learning a new senior jazz group, which the students then performed at the Rockhampton Eisteddfod in May. Several students also worked with Marnie learning new contemporary and jazz routines for upcoming competitions. The 2019 advance Summer School will be held at the School from January. Peta Anderson and Kat Hoyos will return to take Rhythm Tap and Musical Theatre respectively, with Sydney-based Aimee Whittaker taking Contemporary and her husband Neale Whittaker taking Hip Hop. Bookings for the 2019 advance Summer School will open in August. DMTA students from eight years of age upwards are encouraged to not miss out on this amazing opportunity to be part of next year s Summer School. To follow updates on the Summer School visit its Facebook page. (Left) DMTA students with tutors of the inaugural advance Summer School; (Right) Some of the DMTA senior students with Peta Anderson as they learn their amazing new Riverdance Tap Group for this year s eisteddfod which took out first place.

4 Rockhampton Eisteddfod The Academy enjoyed another successful Rockhampton Eisteddfod with students representing the DMTA in a variety of sections in the Speech & Drama and Dance sections. Many students received places in their events which can be seen in the list on the back of this newsletter. Of course, the most important thing students gained was a chance to perform their routines on stage in front of an audience and gain valuable feedback from their performances. Staff were incredibly proud of all students and their achievements. Maddison Scharer and Hannah MacDonald travelled to the Emerald Eisteddfod in July where Maddison won her tap solo and Hannah and Maddison received third for their Contemporary Duo. Hannah also received a Highly Commended for her jazz solo. Congratulations girls. In the September holidays, the Academy will take away seven of its dance eisteddfod groups for the first time to the Gladstone Eisteddfod offering students the chance to dance amongst other dance schools from Gladstone, Emerald, Mackay and Bundaberg. Staff, students and parents are looking forward to this opportunity. The Rockhampton Dance Festival in September will also see a number of DMTA students enter in various solos and duos and our Junior Ballet Group A class will present their first eisteddfod group in the Junior Group section. We can t wait to share this amazing experience with the junior students. Here is a snapshot of our eisteddfod experience in May. See our Facebook page for more photos.

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6 From Europe to Australia - Workshops with no bounds The world is a small place when students of the Academy have the amazing opportunity to work with professional dancers and musical theatre artists all the way from Europe. Before the Rockhampton Eisteddfod, our musical theatre students enjoyed working with Musical Theatre professional Kara Lane. Kara, who is now based in London, is a Rockhampton born triple-threat and daughter of local singing teacher Christine Netherwood. Whilst in Rockhampton for a few days, Kara enjoyed working with our musical theatre classes and the Intermediate Song & Dance Group passing on vital vocal and acting skills in various musical theatre styles. The dancers and staff of DMTA reveled in the fact that the students had the opportunity to work with someone who started just like the students are now, local dancers and performers in a regional city. The workshops allowed students of DMTA to see with hard work and determination, dreams such as performing overseas are achievable. Following the eisteddfod, members of our RAD Majors Classical Ballet class, had the rare and amazing opportunity to spend a couple of hours engaging in a class with Russian ballerina, Evgeniya Kaykova (Zhenya). Zheyna is a member of the Moscow State Academic Children s Musical Theatre and has danced as a professional ballerina since she was a teenager. Even though this was Zhenya s first lesson in English, the language barrier was soon overcome through the language of classical ballet as the students enjoyed an amazing lesson. Senior student Ella Kibblewhite who also won the Senior Classical Ballet and Demi-Character sections at the recent Rockhampton Eisteddfod said, It is not often that you get to see such amazing professional people in your classroom so it s amazing to see how hard she works. Fellow senior and Most Outstanding Classical Ballet Dancer of the 2018 Rockhampton Eisteddfod Heather Maitland commented, She is very inspiring and a beautiful dancer as well. It s very exciting having her at our studio. For the Seven News report on Zhenya s lesson with our senior students, see the DMTA Facebook page. Our tap dancers were not disappointed at the beginning of Term 2 when one of Mr Robertson s past students, Martin Kay, tapped his way into our studio spending two Monday evenings with some of our tap classes. Martin now performs professionally across the world and is currently overseas performing on a cruise liner. Martin not only introduced the students to some amazing new rhythms and combinations but also spoke to senior students about opportunities in the dance world for tappers. The lessons were a wonderful way to get back into the fun world of tap, after the Easter holidays. (Left) Martin Kay loving his time with the Grade 4 Tap class; (Centre) Evgeniya Kaykova with the Majors Classical Ballet students; (Right) Kara Lane provides some advice to the Intermediate Musical Theatre Eisteddfod group. Dancers Reflected Beautifully At our recent Whole Academy Photo Day, Michael Kennedy Photography took some amazing photos not only of our whole academy and 2018 Eisteddfod groups, but also of some of our dancers who booked sessions with Michael. Here is a snippet of his amazing work that the Academy can use for promotional purposes and that the individual dancers can look back on with fond memories for many years to come. Michael Kennedy Photography has provided the academy with amazing work over the past few years, especially on stage photos at our last two major productions. Please visit Michael s website for more examples of his beautiful work:

7 Cocktails and Canapés goes Old Hollywood This year s biennial Cocktails and Canapés event was held at Willbys Restaurant on 24 March with the theme being Old Hollywood. The event was well supported with the RGS Dance Council raising funds for the DMTA. The glamourous surroundings designed by DMTA parent Lucija Nezic-Moon set the perfect ambience for a wonderful night of entertainment, socializing and fundraising. Jason Rooks and Nathan McDonald set the feel for the evening with their wonderful musical entertainment and guests enjoyed a night of delectable food by CQUniversity TAFE chef, Tim Wade. An auction of various quality items was held raising funds for the council which will benefit all DMTA students. The RGS Dance Council would like to thank everyone involved in this amazing night on the RGS calendar. (Below) Wonderful, lavish décor by Lucija Nezic-Moon; (from top) Jason and Emma Plumb and Stacey and Brent Giles; Franco and Judy Scarpelli; Terry Sykes, Donna Littlejohn, Samuel Smith and mum Nola Smith talk all things arts. This is the Greatest Show Such a large turn out from our DMTA families was seen at the recent RGS Dance Council sponsored Movie Night held in the RGS Theatre. Over ninety people enjoyed watching our eisteddfod group videos, followed by a delicious pizza dinner before students and family members alike sang along with The Greatest Showman. One parent commented, It was a wonderful evening with, in my opinion, a marvelous community feeling. I think the adults enjoyed it as much as the kids! The highlight for me was having the kids sing along to almost every song in the movie; such fun. I know I shouldn t be surprised that they knew every word, but it really was quite remarkable to hear them all join in en masse. There was such joy in that room and I know I for one, couldn t stop smiling every time they broke into song. What a great event for all involved and for the future of our dance school. This was a great event and I m grateful to be part of the DMTA community. Thank you to the RGS Dance Council for sponsoring this wonderful social night for the RGS Dance and Musical Theatre Academy. (Below) Senior DMTA student Benedict Wright in his role as Inspector of Pizza Delivery! Exam Preparation Each year, examination students from our various facets of dance, engage in extra holiday classes and seminars with guest examiners on top of their normal weekly term lessons. The seminars allow the students to fine-tune their skills in the lead up to sitting before an examiner in a formal exam situation. This year, our Highland examination students engaged in a two day seminar with visiting examiner Cheryl Medley from Ayr. Mrs Medley commented on the high standard of the students and how wonderfully they took corrections. During the July holidays, students sitting their RAD Classical Ballet examinations, engaged in a three day seminar with Sydney based examiner Sandra Griffin (pictured with Chloe Cowan and Heather Maitland) who commented not only on the excellent standard of the students but also how delightful they were to teach. Term Three sees the following examinations and we wish every student the best of success for these. NDAA Highland Exams: Sunday 5 August RAD Classical Ballet Exams (Vocational Grades): Tuesday 21 August RAD Classical Ballet Exams (Primary-Grade 5): Thursday 23 August AMEB Speech & Drama Exams: Sunday 9 September

8 2018 Rockhampton Eisteddfod DMTA Results TROPHY NIGHT AWARDS: Hannah Cowan - 12 & under 14 years runner-up Speech & Drama Aggregate Heather Maitland - Roslyn Bulwinkle Cup - Aggregate for Classical Ballet, Pointe Solo, National Dance, Demi Character 13 years and over Heather Maitland - Valeria Hansen Memorial Bursary and Samantha Sullivan Shield - Most Outstanding Classical Ballet Dancer of the Eisteddfod Benedict Wright - Michael Robertson Studio of Dance and Musical Theatre Trophy - Most Outstanding Dancer in Song & Dance/Cabaret Sections Georgiana Russell - Roslyn Carr Trophy - Most Promising Tap dancer of the eisteddfod Tillie Hungerford - Peregrine Video Award - Encouragement award for all sections under 10 years Lily Cooling - Debra Parker Award - Encouragement award for all Classical sections under 13 years Ella Kibblewhite-Claus - Maree Callum Cup - Highest marks in Demi-Character Solo Ella Kibblewhite-Claus and Benedict Wright - Frances Funch Trophy - Highest marks in any Song & Dance Solo section GROUPS: Group Mime under 12 years- 1st Group Mime 12 & under 15 years - 1st Group Mime 15 & under 18 years - 1st Group Mime 12 & under 15 years - 2nd Junior Classical Ballet Group -1st Junior Tap Group - 3rd Junior Jazz Group - 3rd Intermediate Song & Dance Group - 1st Intermediate Jazz Group - Very Highly Commended Senior Tap Group- 1st Senior Jazz Group- Very Highly Commended Senior Contemporary Group - Highly Commended SOLOS: Hannah Cowan Verse Speaking 12 years - 2nd Australian Poem 12 years - 2nd Light Verse 12 years - Highly Commended Grace Hansen Contemporary Solo 12 years - Very Highly Commended Ella Giles Cabaret Solo under 13 years - 3rd Song & Dance Solo 11 & under 13 years - 3rd Modern Jazz Solo 12 years - Highly Commended Lily Cooling Modern Jazz Solo 10 years - 1st Cabaret Solo under 13 years - 1st Demi-Character Solo 9 & under 11 years - 1st Classical Ballet Solo 9 & under 11 years - 2nd Tap Solo 9 & under 11 years - Very Highly Commended Contemporary Solo 9 & under 11 years - Highly Commended Millie O Brien Song & Dance Solo 11 & under 13 years - 1st Cabaret Solo under 13 years - Highly Commended Benedict Wright Song & Dance Solo 13 & under 15 years - 1st Cabaret Solo 13 years & over - 1st Georgiana Russell Speed Tap Solo 15 years and over - 2nd Tap Solo 15 years and over - 3rd Maddison Scharer Waltz Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - Very Highly Commended Song & Dance Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Speed Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Carmen Harrington-Wade Speed Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Mia Killoran Classical Ballet Solo 9 & under 11 years - Highly Commended Tillie Hungerford Contemporary Solo 9 & under 11 years - 2nd Waltz Tap Solo 9 & under 11 years - 3rd Demi-Character Solo 9 & under 11 years - 3rd National Dance Solo 9 & under 11 years - 3rd Modern Jazz Solo 9 years - Very Highly Commended Tap Solo 9 & under 11 years - Highly Commended Classical Ballet Solo 9 & under 11 years - Highly Commended Najwa Adams-Ebel Modern Jazz Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Lucy Perry-Barr Tap Solo 7 & under 9 years - Very Highly Commended Chloe Cowan Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - 3rd Speed Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - 3rd National Dance Solo 13 & under 15 years - Very Highly Commended Waltz Tap Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Alexia Syson Tap Solo 11 & under 13 years - Very Highly Commended Ella Kibblewhite-Claus Demi-Character Solo 15 years and over - 1st Classical Ballet Solo 15 years and over - 1st Song & Dance Solo 15 years and over - 1st Heather Maitland Classical Ballet Championship 13 years & over - 1st Pointe Solo Open - 1st Classical Ballet Solo 13 & under 15 years - 3rd National Dance Solo 13 & under 15 years - Very Highly Commended Contemporary Solo 13 & under 15 years - Highly Commended Isabella Hanson Waltz Tap Solo 15 years & over - Highly Commended Stephanie Fernando Modern Jazz Solo 10 years - 2nd DUOS/TRIOS: Nicola Scarpelli and Ella Giles - Contemporary Duo 13 years & over - 1st Heather Maitland and Chloe Cowan - Classical Ballet Due 13 years and over - 1st Ella Giles, Fynn Moran and Luca Mella - Song & Dance Trio 13 years and over - 1st Lily Cooling and Ella Plumb - Modern Jazz Duo 10 & under 13 years - 1st Tillie Hungerford and Patrick Robertson - Jazz Duo under 10 years - 1st Tillie Hungerford and Patrick Robertson - Tap Duo under 13 years - 1st Georgiana Russell and Carmen Harrington-Wade - Tap Duo 13 yrs and over - 2nd Mia Killoran and Millie O Brien - Contemporary Duo under 13 years - 2nd Hannah MacDonald and Maddison Scharer - Contemporary Duo 13 yrs & over - 3rd The Rockhampton Grammar School Dance & Musical Theatre Academy Archer Street Rockhampton Q 4700 dance@rgs.qld.edu.au