Young dancer Annabelle Arkit, a sixth grader from Armidale City Public School, recently showcased her talents as a specialist performer at the Schools Spectacular held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. This event brought together approximately 5,500 students from nearly 400 schools across New South Wales, demonstrating the immense scale of what is recognized as the world’s largest amateur variety show.
Despite her impressive achievements as the runner-up World Champion in acrobatics and placing fourth in her jazz routine at the 2024 Dance World Cup in Prague, Annabelle had never participated in the Schools Spectacular before. Speaking to the Armidale Express, she expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “School Spec was an absolutely incredible week and an amazing experience. I loved meeting so many other dancers from different places around NSW.”
Annabelle’s passion for dance extends beyond her performances. She runs a dance group called Revelations Dance, aimed at girls who may not have the financial means to pursue dance. “We have some girls who are in foster care, for example, and girls from many different schools in Armidale,” she shared. This initiative showcases her commitment to making dance accessible to all.
The Schools Spectacular featured four performances over the weekend of November 28-29, 2025, and Annabelle noted the impressive turnout. “I was definitely aware of the amount of people who were watching at the arena and also the people watching on TV,” she said. Despite feeling the pressure of performing on such a large stage, she emphasized that it was more about enjoying the experience than competing.
She performed a contemporary and lyrical dance to The Beatles song “Yesterday,” describing the style as “flowy” and one of her favorites alongside hip hop, jazz, and acrobatics. Looking ahead, Annabelle is eager to participate in the Schools Spectacular again next year as she transitions into high school. “I’m aware there is a dance group at the high school which I’d love to be involved with,” she remarked.
Annabelle also has ambitious dreams for her future in dance. “One day I would love to do Broadway or the Australian Ballet.” She expressed gratitude towards her mother for her unwavering support and thanked her school, particularly Ms. Nay, for their encouragement in her artistic journey.
As Annabelle continues to develop her skills and share her love for dance, her journey serves as an inspiration to many young performers. The Schools Spectacular not only highlights individual talent but also fosters a sense of community among young artists across the region, celebrating their dedication and passion for the performing arts.
