The Forest Lake State High School Just Dance Esports team took home first place at the Esports Fuse Cup Brisbane 2022 Grand Finals competition held in May this year.
Year 8 students Taelira and Kelvin and year 7 students Jovanna and Brooke competed against 16 teams across Brisbane over two days.
The team danced in 10 competition songs in the heats before progressing through to the final round, where they danced in a further three songs to take out first place.
Digital Technologies Head of Department Mr Raatz said the students performed wonderfully and supported each other very well as a team.
“Interestingly, Forest Lake SHS Lions were the only team where all players scored either Superstar (11k) or Megastar (12k) in all 3 songs of the final,” Mr Raatz said.
“Kelvin was our highest scoring individual, closely followed by Taelira. Both students have had an extra year of competing in Esports, so it makes sense they were just ahead of our two year 7 students.”
Year 8 student Taelira said the Esports Just Dance competition was amazing and nerve-racking at the same time.
“I remember last year talking to my fellow competitors and saying that ‘I would love to make it to the state finals for Just Dance,’ and now my dream has finally come true,” she said.
“I also think the team I am a part of is amazing, and due to the competition we have become extremely close. They are amazing dancers and people, which I am grateful for.”
Taelira said Esports allowed her to convey her emotions and she enjoyed meeting new people through gaming.
“In Esports, I’m personally able to let myself be more free, and am lucky enough to be able to meet incredible people like my team – Kelvin, Jovanna and Brooke – along with many others.
Year 7 student Brooke said it felt awesome to win the finals.
“I think the thing I enjoy the most about Esports is that it is inclusive, needs teamwork and includes strength and integrity,” she said.
“When playing at school you can make new friends and have a great time – that’s why Esports is the best.”
Year 7 student Jovanna said the Esports Just Dance competition was an outstanding opportunity to have fun, get some exercise and to spend time with friends.
“To win the finals is an amazing feeling and something that I would never forget,” she said.
Year 8 student Kelvin said their next goal was to win the state competition.
“The Just Dance competition has pushed us past our limits in teamwork, strength, and dedication, using fun to guide the way,” he said.
The Brisbane Championship team is now preparing for the State Finals on November 4, where they will compete against the best teams from other regions in Queensland. Nationals will take place on November 17.
“These winning students have been chosen to represent the school at our local feeder schools Esports competition, where we find the best Esports Competitors in year 4 and 5 at Grand Avenue SS, Pallara SS, Forest Lake SS, Carole Park SS and Serviceston South SS,” Mr Raatz said.
“The Lions get to show their great leadership in these events, and it gives them a bunch of confidence. Additionally, it allows for students to undertake their journey to the Duke of Edinburgh Award via the Bridge Awards, which is really cool and rewarding.”
Forest Lake SHS has been recognised as a Fuse Cup School of Excellence due to their commitment to Esports as a curriculum.
“When running our Esports competitions, we have adopted The Fuse Cup’s four pillars: Integrity, Strength, Inclusion and Teamwork,” Mr Raatz said.
“The most important part of Esports within our school is inclusion – inclusion allows for all students to find their place within the school. Our school is a big place for students, and ensuring they are happy and included is so important to student wellbeing.”
