By Matthew Sims
A number of Casey school students are warming up their voices and preparing their best dance moves for this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS).
The VSSS is returning for two shows on Saturday 9 September at 1pm and 6.30pm at John Cain Arena.
Titled ‘Happy Travels’, this year’s show will follow an group of tourists as they traverse the globe in a circus-themed ride through different cultures.
Featuring giant puppets and a circus fairground with aerialists from Dislocate Theatre and the First Nations Ensemble working alongside First Nations circus company Na Djinang Circus, the show will feature songs and dances from The Pacific, Japan, Britain, Italy and Australia’s First Nations.
The 2000 participating students are made up of principal vocalists, principal dancers, backing vocalists, the Victorian State Schools Choir, a 51-piece orchestra, 1100 mass dance students and 960 in the mass choir.
Local participating schools include Clyde Creek Primary School, Berwick College, Berwick Lodge Primary School, Cranbourne Secondary College, Cranbourne East Secondary College, Ramlegh Park Primary School, Courtenay Gardens Primary School, Lynbrook Primary School, Berwick Secondary College, Kambrya College, Narre Warren South P-12 College, Cranbourne West Secondary College, Hampton Park Secondary College and Lyndhurst Secondary College.
Berwick Secondary College Year 11 Regan Gay is among the principal dancers for the performance and said it will be a culmination of years of hard work and a passion for dance.
“My earliest memory is having my mum do my makeup and hair to get me ready for my performances,” she said.
“The highlight of my younger years was performing in concerts.
“Being on stage definitely helped me find my passion to dance for the rest of my life.”
Regan said she dancing allows her to be the best version of herself.
“I love that dance gives me an opportunity to express myself and share a story with others,” she said.
“It enables me to be whoever I want to be on a stage in front of audiences.
“I’m at my happiest when I’m dancing as it is a place where I’m inspired.”
Regan said she is excited to connect with the other dancers during the performances.
“The most special part of choreography for me is the parts where I get to make connections with the other dancers, whether that be a move we do together or a moment we get to look at each other and enjoy ourselves onstage,” she said.
“They are always the most memorable moments that I look forward to and the moments that stay with me forever.”
Regan said she is grateful for the opportunities she has received so far as part of the VSSS experience.
“The mentors we work with are the best in the industry guiding us to be the best versions of ourselves,” she said.
“The chance to perform in an arena like the John Cain Arena is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.
“It’s the biggest audience I’ve had the chance to dance for.”
Kambrya College Year 11 student Saskia Kirby is one of the principal vocalists and has been singing from a young age.
“I’ve basically been singing ever since I was born,” she said.
“My parents put me in my first choir when I was four because I just wouldn’t stop singing.
“It’s been such a huge part of my life and I’m so grateful that I’ve been given opportunities like the Victorian State School Spectacular to share my love of singing with others.”
Saskia said she loves the fact that there are endless possibilities for how to use your voice.
“I think that singing is such a unique way to express yourself, and I love that I can just completely let go when I’m singing,” she said.
“Whenever I sing, I feel like I’m in a different world, it’s just such an incredible feeling to completely let go and express yourself through your voice.
“I also love that each person has such a unique sound.”
Saskia said her favourite songs to sing as part of VSSS are ‘Xanadu’ and ‘Turn Up The Sunshine’.
“I think this year’s performance is so special because it’s all about experiencing and travelling the world,” she said.
“This is really important to all of the cast because we’re still yet to go off into the world and experience all it has to offer.
“A lot of the songs featured in the show, such as ‘The World is Ours’, provide a message that I think is really important especially for a younger generation.”
Saskia said taking part in VSSS was “so fun and super rewarding”.
“This is my second year in the VSSS main cast, and I can’t even believe the amount of progress and industry experience I’ve gained from just these two years,” she said.
“Being involved is so worthwhile because you learn so much and get to meet people who become your best friends, and then of course you get the privilege of putting on the most amazing and truly spectacular show at the end of it all.
“I would absolutely recommend others to take part in VSSS.”
VSSS creative director Neill Gladwin said this year’s show features a wide range of gifted performers.
“This year’s show will be nothing short of special, offering our wonderfully talented students the tremendous opportunity to perform in front of an audience of thousands,” he said.
VSSS music director Chong Lim AM said it is a great opportunity to meet other people involved in the performing arts.
“I wish I had this opportunity when I was starting out,” he said.
“Students make lifelong friends.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular
