News
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25th August 2008 -

So much to catch up on. As always the Commotion team has been so busy, there hasn't been time to even think about updating the website. But I was thinking last night - it's time we publish all the info about what we've been up to over the last few months.

We had Feel the Beat Eisteddfod (it seems like ages ago now). Results can be seen on the results page.

We have been working very hard on new troupe routines. We now have 22 brand new troupe dances for this year. That's a lot for just six months. Well done to all the students for being so good at picking up the new choreography and putting in the time and effort at home to practice.

We had four routines entered into this year's City of Sydney Eisteddfod (the Mac Challenge). "Like a Boy" got 3rd place in 17/under Hip Hop. "You Can't Stop the Beat" was performed well, but unfortunately didn't place. "Big Bro" got Highly Commended in the 12/under Jazz section with a massive 96 marks. "Get Up" got 2nd place in the 12/under Hip Hop section, with an amazing 98 marks!!!

We then had the Australian Dance Challenge. This was a huge event run by myself (Ben Stokes) and a team of volunteers from Commotion School of Performing Arts. We had over 650 entries this year, and an incredible panel of adjudicators including Clint Salter, Lydia McNimara, Kane Bonke and Rhiannon (from So You Think You Can Dance).

The Commotion Kids were amazing in all of their performances at Australian Dance Challenge. The highlights were the new dances... especially "Seussical", "Grease", "Trust-a-try" and the amazing new "Strongest Suit". People just can't stop talking about "Strongest Suit". Parents were literally in tears. I couldn't stop smiling. It was incredible.

Last night we had Showcase State Dance Championships. The Commotion Kids stepped up and gave their best performances yet. "High School Musical" and "You Can't Stop the Beat" were so amazing I forgot to breathe while the dance was on. My throat is still sore from screaming and wooing. All of our routines got 88 marks or above (most got at least 90.) This means that all of our routines got through to the National Finals in Queensland. We are planning the trip now, and will be booking soon. Then... in January 2009, Commotion will be taking its very first tour to Queensland for the most fun trip ever. I can't wait to fill the CLAW at Dreamworld with screaming Commotionettes.

Coming up soon we have Hollywood Dance Challenge, Feel the Beat, Picnic Point Dance Festival, Ooh La La Dance Extravaganza and Campbelltown Spring.

Then we have our huge concert day 30th November.

 

OLD NEWS...
Timetable has changed a bit (again). The updated timetable is available at the front desk.
Rhiannon's workshops was awesome. We had lots of dedication students turn up, and work hard learning from one of Australia's best dancers. Rhiannon raved about the talent and enthusiasm of Commotion's students. She had great behind-the-scenes gossip from SYTYCD, and promised that she would return after her show commitments.
Lawrence Stark has joined our teaching faculty as our new Acrobatics teacher. He is also the head of the Acrobatics dept. at Brent Street. In just two weeks, he already has 6 kids doing backflips, 5 doing no-handed cartwheels and everyone has amazing new tricks to show. The students are learning so much, so quickly. We are still taking enrolments for these classes held on Tuesday nights. AMAZING! Come and try it. I promise you'll LOVE the class.
Tomorrow 25 students from Commotion are heading into the Opera House to see an exclusive back-stage experience with the Australian Ballet. We will see some of their new show and witness one of their rehearsals and classes. This will be an inspiring, exciting day.
Top Hat Eisteddfod was last weekend. We had 10 Troupes entered and walked away with 9 awards. Two First places, a Second place, two Third places and two Fourth places. Plus two Highly Commendeds. Photos will come soon, things have been so busy that I haven't had time to upload them.
Australian Dance Challenge is coming up soon. This is run with the help of the parents & students of Commotion School of Performing Arts. Entries are now open. This year we have Troupes AND Solos. We also have a new website - Go to www.australiandancechallenge.com
Feel the Beat Dance Festival is at the end of this month. We will be performing more than 18 new Troupe routines...WOW!!! All put together in just the last few months. Our Troupe kids have been working sooooooo hard learning all new routines for 2008. I am so proud that Commotion students are so talented, that they can handle new routines every year. It keeps the work fresh and entertaining for all, and provides great diversity to the dance education of our students. Come and watch us perform our amazing new routines.
We have a DISCO coming up on Saturday 14th June @ the studio. Tickets are $7. This is not just for Commotion students but also anyone who dances at a different dance studio - or doesn't even dance at all. Pop in to the studio to book your ticket. Starts at 6:30pm. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Concert date is booked for Sunday 30th November at Penrith Panthers World of Entertainment. We are lucky to have such an amazing professional venue. There will be some rehearsals in the morning from 9:00am, a Junior concert at 1:30pm and a Senior concert at 6:00pm. Troupe students will be performing in both concerts. More information about the 2008 concerts will be released at a later date. We will start learning our concert routines at the beginning of Term 3. All Singing and Dance students are invited to perform at the concert.
The EFTPOS facility that we have installed at the studio is very popular. I can't imagine how we ever survived without it. We accept most credit cards and all debit cards. Minimum purchase is $15. Credit payments incur 3% surcharge.
Commotion School of Performing Arts is always buzzing with excitement. This Sunday we have Jason Jackson - local performer - and his dancers rehearsing in Studio 1, Special guest Mrs Cascarino and her Drama students doing a professional Acting workshop/seminar in Studio 2, and private choreography and rehearsals for Moondance competition with me in Studio 3. It just goes to show how wonderful our new facilities are, that they are in such demand for hire by local artists and teachers.
Commotion Kids performed recently at the MATS Awards and all 6 routines made it through to the finals - which will be held at Penrith Panther's Evan Theatre. Congratulations