Woollahra Public School. Photo by WinkiPoP Media.
The Sydney Eisteddfod is one of the largest competitive performing arts festivals of its type globally, and before it draws to a close for 2017, the big question still to be answered is who will take home the ultimate prize of being crowned the winner of the Dance of Champions?
Competing for this prestigious title and a share in the $28,000 prize pool are 17 of the best dance groups from the 2017 Sydney Eisteddfod. These groups include primary and secondary schools and dance academies, with a variety of dance styles represented from contemporary, modern expressive, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop to classical ballet. The groups also vary in size and may include a minimum of four dancers or a maximum of 30 dancers. Could it be an all-boys dance group that takes the crown? Of the finalists this year, there are three dance groups represented with all boys.
Mosman Dance Academy. Photo by WinkiPoP Media.
Here is a preview of all 17 finalists and the section they won to be eligible to compete for the Dance of Champions title:
- Dance North Academy, winner of Contemporary Dance Group (Any Age)
- Glenhaven Public School, winner of Primary School Jazz/Musical Theatre/Hip Hop Dance
- Harbord Public School, winner of the Primary School Dance Group (Years K to 6) Boys Group
- Joanne Grace School of Dance, winner of Contemporary/Modern Expressive/Lyrical Dance Group (12/u)
- Lane Cove and Roseville Dance Academies, winner of Jazz Dance Group (16/u)
- Laguna Street Boys Ensemble, Boys Group Winner of the Primary School Dance Group (Years K to 6)
- Lindfield Public School Infants Show Troupe, winner of Infant School Dance Group (Years K to 2)
- Mosman Dance Academy, 2nd place in the Classical Ballet Group (12/u) event
- Pacific Hills Christian School Junior Troupe, winner of Primary School Dance Group (Years K to 4)
- Plié Groove’n’Shuffle, winner of Jazz Dance Group (Any Age) Restricted
- St Columba Anglican School, winner of Secondary School Jazz/Musical Theatre/Hip Hop Dance Groups (7 to 9)
- Sydney Girls High School Dance Company, winner of Secondary School Dance Group
- The Ballet Class, winner of the Classical Ballet Group (10/u) event
- The McDonald College, winner of Modern Expressive/Lyrical Dance Group (16/u)
- The Next Step Performing Arts, winner of Hip Hop Dance Group (Any Age)
- The West Australian School of Dance, winner of Classical Group (Any Age)
- Woollahra Public School Boys Hip Hop Crew, Boys Group Winner of Primary School Jazz/Musical Theatre/Hip Hop Dance Group
Dance North Academy Photo by WinkiPoP Media.
The jury will determine who will take home the winning prize of $5,000 with second place receiving $3,000 and third place $2,000. There is also a People’s Choice Award, where the audience are invited to have their say and vote for their favourite dance group. A first, second and third monetary prize of equal value to the jury prizes will be awarded to those groups also.
The Sydney Eisteddfod Dance of Champions will be held at UNSW Science Theatre on Sunday 17 September at 5pm, and will be broadcast nationally on Network Ten on Sunday 15 October at 12:30pm. For more information and to book tickets, visit sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/sydney-eisteddfod-mcdonalds-dance-of-champions/.
By Nicole Saleh of Dance Informa.
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