Dazzling dancing takes centre stage at TSAC’s Live to Dance Showcase
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This year’s edition of The Springfield Anglican College’s annual Live to Dance Showcase provided an extravaganza of student-choreographed dancing and demonstrated how the performing arts are central to the College’s commitment to creative education
The Ipswich Civic Centre’s spotlights shone brightly on the art of dance as talented The Springfield Anglican College dancers recently took to the stage for the College’s Live to Dance Showcase.
The Live to Dance Showcase is an annual College tradition, serving as a testament to the dedication of the College’s students in their commitment to the art of dance.
With over 100 dancers, from Years 1 to Year 12, performing for family, friends and other members of the wider community, this year’s edition, which was held on 17 August, featured 16 dances and showcased more student-choreographed dances than ever before.
The event gave Secondary students a high-profile opportunity to explore and develop their own choreographic styles and showcase their best offerings, complete with professional lighting and staging.
The Springfield Anglican College dance students at the Live to Dance Showcase in August 2023
With the College celebrating its 25th anniversary, Year 12 student and Creative Arts College Prefect Ethan Richards felt the event was a special opportunity to bring together the College’s dance community while marking the quarter-century milestone.
“The Live to Dance Showcase is a special experience where students from all grades can join together and show the audience, including other students from higher and lower grades, what they’ve been working on and what they’re proud to show off,” Ethan said.
“This year’s showcase celebrated the College’s 25th year of educating young people, and to mark the occasion we opened the Showcase with a massive celebratory dance, involving students from every grade from Year 1 to Year 12.
“This was a special experience as it allowed us to all dance alongside everyone who forms part of the College’s ‘dance family’ and celebrate the College that many of us have grown up in.”
As a performer and choreographer on the night, Year 12 Dance student Josie Papa was thrilled to take the stage as part of her ongoing journey with the artform.
“My favourite word is ‘selcouth’ — an unfamiliar, strange, rare and yet marvellous sensation — which perfectly describes the feeling I get on stage,” Josie said.
“I have been dancing for the past 10 years and am excited to continue learning and exploring this art form as a full-time dancer next year.
“Being able to perform and choreograph for the Live to Dance Showcase is a truly inspiring opportunity.
“Though this is my final year at the College, the Showcase has given me the confidence to perform and choreograph my favourite style of dance, Jazz.
“I’m happy to have ended this chapter of my life with a bang.”
This year’s Showcase is the last chance for Year 12 Creative Arts Prefect Mia Clayton to perform, and she is hopeful future generations of students will continue the tradition.
“Dancing has been a part of my life for the longest time, having been dancing since I was 11 years of age,” Mia said.
“It is a magical feeling when you see everything come together and the Primary students’ faces light up when they hit the stage for the first time.
“Our teachers put in so much hard work and effort, and it was wonderful to see their pride and relief once the showcase was completed.
“As this is my last year at the College, I hope that younger students will continue to do what they love, never give up, and trust the process.”
The Springfield Anglican College dance students at the Live to Dance Showcase in August 2023
For The Springfield Anglican College Principal Steven Morris events like Live to Dance form part of the College’s wider commitment to the performing arts and its central role in educational development.
“This year, the College celebrates its 25th year of educating students and from our earliest years, the performing arts have been a fundamental pillar of that educational experience, providing safe spaces for self-expression, and nurturing each student’s individuality, while fostering creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills,” Mr Morris said.
“Our youngest students learn to dance in a classroom setting and can choose to explore different styles of dance through our expansive co-curricular program.
“Their interest is nurtured in the Primary years, and their technical skills are honed through the Secondary years.
“Creative endeavours, including the Live to Dance Showcase, help our students grow into well-rounded individuals, equipped with the skills and resilience necessary to succeed personally and professionally.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our students as they push their individual and collective limits to produce breathtaking movements, acrobatics and choreography.
“We were excited to share our students’ achievements with the wider community, as they put on a sold-out show that featured a diverse repertoire of dance styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and musical theatre.
“Overall, the Live to Dance Showcase builds memories for students that will last a lifetime and inspire many young dancers to continue dancing.”
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