Lyndale Greens Primary School is set to showcase its talent in the 30th anniversary of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. On September 13, 2023, a group of 16 students from the school will join a remarkable assembly of 2,500 performers, including mass dance students, a large choir, and a full orchestra at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne. This year’s theme, ‘On Air,’ will feature over 40 musical works, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for both performers and audience members.
For Sharon Brocklehurst, who has coordinated the program at Lyndale Greens since 2001, this event represents a significant opportunity for the students. “Our students would never get to perform in an arena-type performance, and even dance classes,” she noted. The program not only allows children to engage in after-school dance classes but also offers experiences that many have never encountered before, such as riding a train to the city.
The transformative impact of this experience is clear. Brocklehurst has witnessed students who were once shy gain confidence, enabling them to speak publicly at school events. “By the end of the rehearsal and performance time, these children will stand up in front and talk, whereas they’d be too shy to do that before,” she explained. This growth in self-esteem is a testament to the power of performance arts in education.
Mass Participation and Community Commitment
The preparation for this grand event has required a tremendous commitment from students, families, and the school community. Rehearsals have taken place over the past seven months, often requiring travel to the city. Brocklehurst emphasized the joy on the children’s faces when they first see the arena, remarking, “You can tell them how big it is, but they never realize until they step into the arena. Their faces just light up.”
The scale of this year’s program is impressive, with 1,200 mass dance students, an 1,100-strong choir, and a 75-piece orchestra all coming together to create a spectacular show. Previous participants from Lyndale Greens have gone on to perform as principal dancers in the program. This year, the principal dancer is Hamsini from Lyndale Secondary College, highlighting the program’s potential to nurture future talent.
Brocklehurst pointed out that being selected as a principal dancer is a notable achievement, as only a limited number of students are chosen to perform in prominent roles on stage. The experience not only encompasses onstage performance but also includes opportunities for students to learn about backstage roles, such as stage management, audio, lighting, and video production.
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular celebrates the dedication and creativity of students from across the state. As Lyndale Greens Primary School prepares for this milestone event, the excitement and anticipation are palpable, reflecting the vibrant spirit of school communities coming together in the celebration of arts and performance.
