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Each year hundreds of schools partake in Australia’s largest performing arts festival, Wakakirri, expressing stories through dance. Wakakirri allows students to reflect their thoughts, ideas and aspirations in an effort to win ‘Story of the Year’, combining dance, acting and creative movement with music.
This year four Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn were finalists in the ACT Region, winning State Awards: Rosary Primary School Watson (Best Adapted Story Award), St Anthony’s Parish School Wanniassa (Best Inspirational Story Award), St Francis of Assisi Calwell (Best Original Story Award and Spirit of Wakakirri Award) and St Gregory’s Primary School Queanbeyan (Best Blockbuster Story Award).
Rosary Primary School, Watson
Title: Diamond in the Rough
Entranced by the beautiful Princess Jasmine, Aladdin sets out on a journey to capture her heart. With the help of a magical genie, Aladdin must thwart the plans of the evil Jafar to win the love of the princess and prove that he is a true diamond in the rough.
“Wow! A sensational story executed expertly!” – Mike Smith
Performance Awards:
- Excellent Lead Cast
- Excellent Supporting Cast
- Excellent Set Movement and Staging
- Amazing movement
- Best Individual Costume Design
- Best Individual Makeup and Hair
State Awards:
- Best Adapted Story Award
- Performing at Awards Night
St Gregory’s Primary School, Queanbeyan
Title: When Worlds Collide
A bedtime ritual comes alive and spirals into a state of unfamiliarity when three storybook characters fly into the wrong world. Will their gifts and talents be appreciated or rejected, in a place totally unlike their own?
“An epic, entertaining and enchanting performance!” – Mike Smith
Performance Awards:
- Excellent Performance Teamwork
- Excellent Set Movement and Staging
- Excellent Ensemble
- Excellent Overall Costume Design
- Well-rehearsed Performance
- Best Teamwork
- Best Public Speaking
- Most Creative Reuse of Materials for Sets and Props
- Most Creative Reuse of Materials for Costumes
State Awards:
- Best Blockbuster Story Award
- Performing at Awards Night
St Anthony’s Parish School, Wanniassa
Title: Giraffe’s Can’t Dance
Gerald the Giraffe attends the Jungle Dance and the animals start laughing at him because he can’t dance. Gerald feels sad, but is comforted by a cricket, who tells him to “dance to his own music.” Gerald gains confidence, finds his rhythm. Everyone can dance when they find music that they love.
“A heart-warming discovery of finding a way to march to the beat of your own drum!” – Mike Smith
Performance Awards:
- Excellent Ensemble
- Excellent Group Dance
- Excellent Overall Costume Design
- Excellent Solo Dance
- Well-Rehearsed Performance
- Best Individual Costumer Design
- Best Individual Makeup and Hair
State Awards:
- Best Inspirational Story Award
- Performing at Awards Night
St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Calwell
Title: Look Inside Yourself
Fly is feeling sad, confused and alone. She makes a wish believing she will be happier being someone else. Her Fairy Godparents hear her wish and take her on a journey to discover who she wants to be. Who will Fly choose and which choice will make her happy?
Performance Awards:
- Spirit of Wakakirri
- Excellent Lead Cast
- Excellent Supporting Cast
- Excellent Performance Teamwork
- Excellent Overall Costume Design
- Excellent Artwork on Sets
- Best Minimal use of Sets, Props and Costumes
State Awards:
- Best Original Story Award
- Performing at Awards Night