Dance18 Showcase
DHS’s Dance Department have been cultivating their community dance event, Dance Showcase, and this year it celebrated its 8th year in existence.
By teacher Julia Quinn
Dance 18 was held on Friday 25 May in the Tank. Driven by Sarah Calver and Julia Quinn’s community dance background, the event encompasses local dance studios, groups and other schools offering dance as a subject. This year, alongside all DHS Dance students, the event saw the Darwin School of Ballet, Express Studios, Liberty Dance, Good Shepherd Lutheran College, That’s Dancing, Parap Jumpers, Darwin Performance Academy and SLIDE Company 1 & 2 present their effervescent and valued dance-movement work. Dance is alive and well at DHS.
After a long week it took some effort to get to the Tank for 6.30 on a Friday night. I was not disappointed! The energy and joy of the young dancers carried me through every item, some so fast and so spellbinding I wished I could have seen them again, on repeat, and in slow motion. I attend quite a few professional dance company shows in Darwin and interstate - but there is something that draws me in watching young people, at their shiniest happiest best in a school gym that never fails to melt my heart. Would I were in Year 10 and studying dance!!! I don’t think my inner London comprehensive in the 70’s even had a drama option - let alone a dance department! Well done to the dedicated staff and parents who make it happen giving countless unpaid hours. Hooray that we have a curriculum that includes dance, and a culture that encourages and values dance. Thanks for transforming young lives and giving these kids something to excel in- all shapes and sizes confidently putting it out there. You can be sure I’ll be back next time. – Alison Dowell
I really enjoyed watching the variety of dances performed at Dance 18 and seeing new talents emerging. The works choreographed by previous students were fantastic (and of course seeing past students performing throughout the evening was also a treat 😊). It is great to see that dance is still going strong. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers were contagious and made for a thoroughly entertaining evening. Another wonderful event 😊. - Suzanne Simonato
Thank you for the providing the opportunity for my daughter to be involved in such a professional event! She thoroughly enjoyed the experience of dancing on stage, in among so many talented dancers of all ages. – Natalie Gibbs
I would like to let you know that once again you have excelled yourselves in the planning and production of the DANCE18 event. ….[it] was extremely well organised and executed and I believe the whole night ran very smoothly. Each performance must have been rehearsed and refined many times and the result was they were all fantastic to watch. It is always a very enjoyable night and we thoroughly enjoy watching the many varied dance performances and always look forward to the next dance event. Thank you. - Steve Haskard
Intriguing, joyful and awe-inspiring. DHS Dance18. The audience was in awe of the ballet dancers, excited by the hip-hop and culture pieces; and told a story through contemporary dance. DHS talent was on full display as the effort and dedication of the dancers shone through their incredible performances – a shining moment for all. Everyone involved with Dance18 – staff, students, parents and volunteers – should be extremely proud of this showcase of DHS talent, a truly unforgettable night. - Jordi Roberts (DHS Alumni)
DANCE18 was a pleasure to attend; a wonderful reminder of how rich the energy within Darwin's always thriving community of young performers continues to be. The identities that presented themselves onstage were buoyed by confidence and a passion for their art, led by talented choreographers who have remained important figures in the Northern Territory's performance industry. As a graduate of Darwin High School, particularly a former dance student and Sunameke Pacific Island Performance company member, it was a real treat to return to watch a new generation of dancers perform material that I remember so fondly, but also experience the dynamism and enthusiasm that these young dancers express so vibrantly. Thank you for the invite!" - Sosefina Fuamoli, Music Journalist (the AU Review, Beat Magazine)
