THE Queensland heats of Australia’s largest schools performing arts festival will land in Logan in an explosion of colour and excitement.
Hundreds of primary and secondary school students from across Australia will perform in the national showcase with five Logan schools among the 22 that perform at the five-day event Wakakirri Story Dance Challenge from Tuesday, July 31 to Friday, August 3.
The 16-year-old series travels Australia, putting schools on stage to perform for audiences of family, friends, industry professionals and other school communities with the results broadcast to an audience of more than a million people on youtube channel WAKA TV.
A Wakakirri story dance is a three to seven minute story performed on stage using movement, dance and acting. Story themes explored by schools include bullying, health, history, culture, reconciliation and the environment. Adaptations of books and films are also popular.
Dance stories are performed before a national panel that searches for the story of the year. Past panels have included Upper Middle Bogan star Michala Banas, dance and stage favourites Josh Horner, Jason Coleman and Todd McKenney and Play School’s Justine Clarke and Alex Papps.
Schools perform from July 31 to August 3. On the evening of August 4 and 5, kids walk a red carpet with special guests and perform on stage.
Logan schools that compete in this year’s showcase are Springwood Central State School on July 31, Kimberley Park State School, Shailer Park, performing August 1, Kingston State School performing on August 2 and St Francis College, Crestmead and Marsden State School, both performing on August 3.
Logan lifestyle and community committee chair Cr Steve Swenson said Logan was excited it was chosen to host the Queensland heats.
“We look forward to seeing all the schools bring their story dances to life,” he said.