Performing Arts
Dance Academy
Our Dance Academy students have commenced their unit on contemporary dance. This semester they will work on three tasks; performance, choreography and responding. In our performance task the team has learned a contemporary routine that they will perform at two eisteddfods this term. This task has focused on technical skills such as spinal rolls, backwards rolls, side bends and parallel alignment. The students have been working hard on their expressive skills and communicating meaning in their dance routine. We wish them all the best for the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival next week!
7 Dance
We are thrilled to share that Year 7 dance students have successfully completed their first assessment for the subject; a challenging theory exam that tested their knowledge of dance elements and terminology. We congratulate each student on their hard work and dedication throughout this initial phase of the dance curriculum. The theory exam aimed to equip our young dancers with a solid foundation of understanding in dance theory.
Now that the theory exam is behind them, the students will embark on an exciting new journey in their dance education—the practical assessment phase. During this period, they will focus on the application of their theoretical knowledge to physical movement and expression. The students will start learning and rehearsing their choreographed class routines for their first practical assessment.
The practical assessment provides an opportunity for our young dancers to showcase their creativity, artistry, and technical skills. As they immerse themselves in the world of dance, they will grow in confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the power of movement to communicate emotions and stories.
9 Dance
Welcome to our Year 9 dance students! Our semester 2 class have already deep dived into musical theatre! They are working on a blended theory and prac model where they complete two theory lessons per week and one practical lesson. In theory, students are analysing and evaluating a dance routine from Matilda the musical. Students have had to understand the skills required for analysis by breaking this cognition down into description and interpretation. The class enjoyed learning to describe lollies before applying these skills to the elements of dance. Analysis and Evaluation are cognitions that can be applied in all other subjects. Along side the responding task students have started learning their musical theatre routine which will be assessed at the start of term 4.
11 Dance
Year 11 Dance students have been investigating how the integration of the environment that a dance is created for and presented in shapes how meaning is communicated. These environments include physical spaces, such as a conventional stage or a specific site, and virtual spaces, such as film or digital platforms. In all instances, the environment is integral to the dance; that is, the use of dance concepts and skills to communicate the intention of the dance would be altered if the dance was presented in another environment. Students are now in the creative process of choreographing Hip Hop routines to be filmed on locations of their choice and to communicate the meaning of acceptance, inclusion or diversity.
8 Drama
With a new semester comes a new rotation of elective subjects for the Year 8 cohort! It has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm that the Semester 2 Year 8 Drama classes are showing so far. This term, students are learning about the Elements of Drama through their study of Indigenous Theatre. Students have been reading the Indigenous Theatre play, 'Honey Spot' and demonstrating excellent critical thinking skills as they discover some of the socio-cultural issues that underpin the text. Engaging their creativity and communication skills, students are learning how to control their focus, build tension and create symbolic moments in performance. This myriad of skills will be used as they develop their assessment, a group performance of 'Honey Spot', which Mrs Dixon, Miss Doorley and Ms McLeod are so looking forward to seeing!
9 Drama
In year 9 Drama, students will examine the conventions of Melodrama including the stereotypical stock characters of a Hero, Villain, Heroine and faithful sidekick. Students will learn how to employ acting skills of physicality and vocality while using improvisation techniques to create engaging scenes. Such scenes will follow the Melodramatic narrative structure using Provocation, Pangs and Penalty. Students will then view a recorded live performance and analyse the actor’s manipulation of Elements of Drama and Melodramatic conventions to create engaging dramatic action.
11 Drama
Delving into the world of magic and the supernatural, this term; Year 11 Drama students are exploring Realism, Magical Realism and Australian Gothic Theatre. These unique styles of Drama are used to engage audiences in deeper meaning about our society and our world, reflecting shared lived experience and challenging audiences to empathise with the stories of others. Students have been using critical thinking skills to analyse a play text, 'Jasper Jones', and create their own dynamic vision of how this could best communicate symbolic meaning to modern audiences. These creative and innovative thinkers have experimented with site-specific performance working outside the classroom and applied practical directing skills in preparation for their most in-depth assessment yet. Ms McLeod is so excited to see the incredible directorial visions and acting performances that these students create!
Certificate courses
Next year we are introducing the Certificate II in Dance! This pathway qualification provides individuals technical skills and knowledge to prepare for work in the live performance industry. The qualification is designed for those with a foundational level of lyrical, jazz or ballet dance techniques. The students may have experience in amateur performances, community events, or have attended dance classes. They will be at the beginning of their career developing performance skills in various genres with job prospects as a trainee dance performer in the industry. The course will have a large focus on practical skills and some theoretical knowledge in a defined context. It will incorporate artistic expression and expressive techniques in performances for audiences. All students completing this certificate will be required to perform live performances at eisteddfods as a representative team for RVSSC. For more information about this new subject, please email Miss Doorley at ddoor4@eq.edu.au
Extra Curricular
Drama Troupe
After a semester of honing their improvisational skills, it is now time for RVSSC's Drama Troupe students to showcase their talents in the oldest form of improvisation – Commedia Dell' Arte. Translating simply to Comedy of the Art, this historic Italian style has informed comedic performance for hundreds of years. The stock characters have exaggerated and hilarious quirks that have inspired many modern characters from Bart Simpson to Sheldon Cooper. Students have been manipulating their physicality and vocality to bring these traditional characters to life in a way that will delight modern audiences. This has meant that our rehearsal room is full of laughter as they learn the art of slapstick, demonstrate status, and generally revel in the joyful silliness that Commedia brings. The Drama Troupe ensemble are eagerly preparing performances for the upcoming RVSSC Showcase – we hope to see you there!
Vocal
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding success of our RVSSC Vocal Ensemble at the P&C Christmas in July Bingo Night!
Our talented students gave some remarkable performances that made the Music Department proud. Thanks to the P&C's generosity, the event also raised funds for performance uniforms for our Vocal Ensemble, Stage Band and Concert Band. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the P&C for their support in nurturing the arts within our school.
Congratulations to our exceptional Vocal Ensemble for their captivating performance, and thank you to all who contributed to this memorable evening.
Creative Generation
Congratulations to all our students and staff involved in Creative Generations 2023 in their 4 performances at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Thursday 13th July – Saturday 15th July. It was an amazing experience for all involved, and many memories and friendships were forged throughout the CGEN rehearsals and performances. Thank you to the parents, carers, and staff who gave many hours to support our students in this wonderful experience.
The show will be aired on Network 10 at 12 noon, Saturday 28 October 2023. If this is something you and your student might be interested in getting involved with in the future, then keep an eye out for the 2024 C-Gen information that will come out in Term 4 this year.
Showcase
Showcase preparations are well underway and all of our student performers should now know what items they will be in. A list of important dates and rehearsals can also be found below. Remember to put Friday 13th October into your calendar for our annual Showcase event!
We are thrilled to let you know that tickets for our upcoming showcase will be on sale Monday 11th September at 10am!
Ticket prices:
Adult $8
Child $5
Family (2 x adult and 2 x child) $25
Prepare yourself for a night filled with awe-inspiring performances and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a fan of music, dance or drama this showcase promises to be an event to remember. Stay tuned for the big day when tickets become available, and get ready to secure your spot as these tickets will be in high demand. We would hate to see you miss out on this incredible night.
A reminder ALL dance students (Squad, Academy, class dances, cheer and pom) performing at showcase are required to attend a rehearsal on Saturday 26th August from 8am - 12pm in the Raptordome. Please arrive at 7:45am dressed in full sports uniform. Attendance is mandatory. Please contact Miss Doorley, Miss Starkey or Mrs Dixon if you are unable to attend ASAP.
We can't wait to see you there! Stay tuned for more updates.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Saturday 26th August DANCE & CHEER rehearsal 8am - 12pm
Thursday 7th September FINALE rehearsal 3pm - 5pm
Thursday 5th October TECH RUN 3pm - 5pm
Saturday 7th October FULL CAST rehearsal 8am - 12pm
Thursday 12th October REHEARSAL TBC 3pm - 5pm
Friday 13th October DRESS REHEARSAL 8.45am - 2.45pm
Friday 13th October SHOWCASE! Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
EXTRA - CURRICULAR
We offer many extra-curricular groups in the Performing Arts across Dance, Drama, Music and Instrumental Music. Students enter these groups via audition. For those students who may have an interest in the Performing Arts but are not quite ready to trial for a team, we will be offering fun "come and try" activities across the Term at lunch times. Keep an eye on notices for these events.
Below is a copy of our extra-curricular training schedule.
Jessica Starkey
Head of Department - Performing Arts
Head of Year 7E to 7H
