Forest Lake State High School’s dance program saw great success last year, and is looking to reach even higher in 2023.
The school hosts a number of cutting-edge dance programs, open to students in Years 7-12, who go through an in-depth dancing experience.
The courses nurture students, growing a sense of belonging, teamwork and self confidence, as well as benefits to their mental and physical health, Forest Lake State High School Arts head Sean Lubbers said.
“The program builds on students’ skills each year seeing strong student outcomes and technical progression in dance skills, choreographic skills and performance skills.”
Dance students are presented with a unique opportunity to network and form connections with those currently in the industry, preparing them for a career in professional dance.
“Dancers are exposed to many guest artists across a variety of dance genres throughout the year working with the best in the industry creating networks, connections and pathways for students to professional employment in the future.”
The school recently received a visit from the Royal Family Dance Crew, who hosted a workshop where students learned a set from their tour, with smashing results.
“This is the world’s best Hip-Hop dance crew, up close and personal with FLSHS. A world class opportunity for our dancers who have performed alongside celebrities such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez,” a post on the school’s Facebook page read.
Alumni of the many programs at the school have a multitude of pathways presented to them.
“We believe in and support our alumni dancers, employing them as freelance choreographers to come back and work with our current students creating competition routines,” Mr Lubbers said.
Graduates like Cassandra McGovern and Poppy Bryant, who study at Dynamite Dance Studio and the Queensland College of Dance in hopes of becoming professional dancers and educators, gained successful entry through their education at Forest Lake State High School.
“I really enjoyed being a part of the dance team, as it not only was a supportive environment for me and my dance skills to grow, but it also taught me to be a dedicated and hard worker from all the morning and lunch time rehearsals when preparing for competitions,” Said Poppy.
Recently, a number of Forest Lake State High dancers and dance troupes have won several eisteddfods and competitions.
“A highly successful 2022 competition season saw our 13 teams winning 14 1st places, 11 2nd places and eight 3rd places at the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge, Gold Coast Eisteddfod, Lockyer District Dance Festival and Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod,” Mr Lubbers said.
Dancers can audition to join one of the programs at 8am on the 22nd of June at the Arts Centre of Excellence at Forest Lake State High School.
Any student entering year 7 in 2024 can audition, including those outside of catchment for the Program of Excellence.
Students of any year level may audition also, and can get in contact with Mr Lubbers at
dance.poe@forestlakeshs.eq.edu.au To register a Year 7 student for audition, use the following link: trybooking.com/CHTBA
