This Term, Year 7 Dance students will take on the challenge of creating their own dance performance as they "dance through the ages". They will apply their knowledge of the Elements of Dance and cleverly use choreographic devices as they work in groups to develop a master piece inspired by the iconic movement styles of the 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's. Not only does this task develop their skills as a dancer and choreographer but it also builds skills in teamwork, leadership, communication and problem solving, all while building their confidence.

7/8 DANCE ACADEMY

This Term our Dance Academy students are competing in their first Eisteddfod! They have been working hard on their jazz routine and we look forward to seeing them perform out in the community at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival on the 27th April. Our Academy students have the opportunity to perform at four Eisteddfod's across the year as well as our annual Showcase event in Term 4.

9 DANCE

Our Year 9 Dance students are just about to hand in their responding task. They have watched the musical scene "Revolting Children" from Tim Minchin's musical "Matilda" and have analysed and evaluated the dance concepts. Responding tasks make up an important part of our dance curriculum as it helps to strengthen students understanding of the dance concepts which they can then apply to their own choreography task which they will commence in week 3.

10 DANCE

Our Year 10 Dance students are also finishing off their theory tasks and they will then move into choreography. Students will be required to create their own Hip Hop routine that communicates a school yard setting. Here at Ripley our students love studying Hip Hop - this is a style that they get to experience in Year 8 Dance Academy or Year 10 Dance.

11 DANCE

Contemporary Dance is a style of expressive dance that emerged in the mid 20th century, combining elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements and dynamic movements which evokes emotion in the audience. Year 11 Dance and Dance in Practice students will examine how purpose and context influence the manipulation of movement through the selection of elements of dance, structure and production elements to communicate meaning. As stimulus for their own choreography, students will choose and research an iconic figure from history; taking their life story, the impact they had on a society and their human experience and express this through Contemporary dance.

DANCE SQUAD

Dance Squad have been working really hard in learning, practicing and refining their Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre routines. Excitement is building and so are the nerves as students prepare to compete in their first competition for the year. The Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Thursday the 27th of April. With seven routines in total, the RVSSC Dance Squad is sure to wow audiences so let us wish them the best of luck.

8 DRAMA

This Term, Year 8 Drama students will bring a beloved fairy tale, folk tale or story book to life through their exploration of Children's Theatre. Putting their own spin on a favourite story, students will create scripts to engage young audiences. These student-devised masterpieces will then be performed, showcasing our student performers' energy and enthusiasm. In a style that incorporates a range of mediums like music, dance, puppetry, acrobatics and slapstick, who knows what hidden talents will be discovered this Term!

This Term, Year 11 Drama and Drama in Practice students continue examining the power of theatre to reflect the human experience through the style of Verbatim Theatre. Critical thinking and communication skills take a front seat this term as students create and justify their own unique concept for a dramatic work. Considering their role as a global citizen, students will create a piece that shares a powerful message for modern audiences. With the depth of discussion already shown in class, Ms McLeod cannot wait to see the students' compelling and meaningful dramatic concepts. 

Drama Troupe rehearsals have started with gusto this Term as students continue to hone their skills of improvisation through quick wit, engaging characterisation and hilarious situations. Vocal acrobatics, fast-paced dialogue and expressive physicality are becoming regular features in our rehearsal room as Troupe members create unique character quirks in TheatreSports games like 'Let's Make a Date' and 'Questions Only'. Ms McLeod and Ms O'Neill can't wait to see the creativity and hilarity that Term 2 will bring!

The Year 9 Music class is preparing their performance pieces and are refining their way technology can be used to communicate with far away audiences. All students have been putting in a tremendous effort with some playing their instrument for the first time this year. We are all looking forward to hearing their performance in week 3 and perhaps some will feature at the Bingo Fundraiser next term.

The Year 11 music class have just finished their first ever senior music assessment with an outstanding amount of high achieving results. The students have really focused on self-reflection, dedication to practice and learning how to manage performance anxiety. Moving into the end of Unit 1, students will be composing an Air and Variation piece which is a style originally popularised and used in the 16th Century! The students are examining the way an original theme can be varied into a full composition and all are excited by the creative possibilities.

Instrumental music is well and truly in full gear for 2023 and all of our students have risen to the occasion. The amount of perseverance, dedication and practice has been amazing this year with both Concert Band and Stage Band already rehearsing 3 pieces to near performance standard. Mr Ezzy has been blown away by the ever-increasing standard of our program and the enthusiasm of the students participating. Parents of our instrumental students may be noticing a lot more practice happening at home as we prepare for Bingo night and the Ipswich Show in the coming weeks. 

Over the coming weeks, our students and teachers involved in Creative Generations across Dance, Musical Theatre, Featured Choir, and Stage Crew, begin their rehearsals and repertoire for their performances in July. The rehearsals are ran by industry professionals, and is an exciting opportunity for students to learn and study alongside others from schools all across the state. This culminates in 4 performances from 13th to 15th July at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre. Tickets can be bought through Ticketek.

Students currently involved in a performing arts subject or extra-curricular group will have the opportunity to watch the matinee performance on Friday the 14th of July with more information coming throughout the term.