Launch 2023 was a huge success for the QACI Dance Collective. After putting so much time and energy into our performance and composition pieces during Term 1, it was an amazing opportunity to be able to showcase these pieces for the QACI community.
It was so impressive how much the Grade 10s learnt in their first term at QACI, and they showcased so many amazing skills in their Jazz piece, choreographed by Ms. Collyer. Every dancer in the piece had the chance to perform to their own talents and the dance they created was so intricate and a powerful introduction to the show.
“One of the things I really enjoyed about Launch was seeing everyone’s dances come together on stage. QACI dance has taught me to explore unique movement that I usually wouldn’t think about, and our class vibe is really welcoming and encouraging.” - Maria, Grade 10.
In Term 1 the Grade 10s also learnt a contemporary piece Integrate, choreographed by the brilliant Julia Tetteris. The piece was so intricate and beautiful to watch and showed an amazing contrast in skills. It will be exciting to see what they create in the future during their time studying QACI Dance.
The Grade 11 group piece Alarm Bells, choreographed by Ms. Liz Collyer and Ms. Kate Stephenson to show the soldier experiences in the trenches in WWI.
“Being able to dance alongside the amazing Grade 11 students was my favourite part of the subject, and I have learnt so much from every person in the class. The piece was re-choreographed from a duet into a group piece, and it was amazing how the dance turned out.” - Year 11 Dance Students (collectively).
This term in 11 Dance, our task was to choreograph a duet with a war theme. The themes ranged from the trauma of the battlefield to the families having to say goodbye to loved ones. Being able to watch each person create and execute such beautiful choreography has been such a privilege this term.
“Choreography is such a rewarding experience. Not only to showcase our work onstage, but to see our classmates grow from previous showcase experiences to now, is so cool. Rehearsals, getting ready, and performing is always such a highlight and launch was a great start to the year for our QACI Dance Collective.” Millie, Grade 11.
The final act of Launch 2023 was Plunge, performed and choreographed by the Grade 12 Dance students. The performances were a range of group dances, duets and solos. The Grade 10s and 11s were able to watch the Grade 12s perform in the audience, and we were all blown away by every piece and every dancer. It was so inspiring to watch the Grade 12 dancers as we learnt so much, and it was clear how much time and energy they put into each of their pieces. The 2023 QACI Dance Cohort have put so much effort into Launch and it was an incredible two-night performance.
These performance showcases could not have been done without our amazing Dance Teachers, Ms. Kate Stephenson and Ms. Elizabeth Collyer, along with special assistance from the wonderful pre-service teachers.
Article written by Maddie Henderson, Year 11.