17 July 2016

Two Riverina dancers featured as the

2017 Schools Spectacular showcases a record number of students from NSW Public Schools in breath-taking concert spectacle

Two dancers from Riverina schools will be featured in this year’s Schools Spectacular.

Jordan Everingham of Mount Austin High School and Leeton High’s Madison Teerman were announced as featured dancers in a ceremony in Sydney yesterday.

Year 12 student Jordan, 18, has been selected into the amazing B’Boys hip hop dance ensemble while Madison has successfully auditioned to be part of a thrilling tap routine.

Guinness World Record holder Schools Spectacular is back and better than ever showcasing the best singing and dancing talent from public schools across NSW on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November at QUDOS Bank Arena.

Last year marked an iconic chapter in Schools Spectacular history when their annual arena production broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Variety Concert in the world at its new home QUDOS Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park.

Now in its 34th year, the popular live-and-televised extravaganza will star over 5,700 students including a choir of 2,700 voices, 2,400 dancers; a 100-piece symphony orchestra; world-class stage band, 44 solo singers and 145-featured dancers from public schools across NSW.

Hosted by much loved musical director John Foreman, performances will feature the greatest musical hits of past and present including the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Disney’s Moana, Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Bruno Mars and the hottest musical theatre numbers direct from Broadway including Dear Evan Hansen.

Choreographers Kelley Abbey (So You Think You Can Dance), Xanthe & Gregor (Dance Academy), Bangarra Dance Theatre and direct from NYC ‘Rockette’ star Sophie Holloway will work with dancers to create innovative and energetic numbers.

In a Schools Spectacular first, a 150-strong drama ensemble will perform with custom-made larger than life dragon puppets.

Creative Director Sonja Sjolander said that this year’s theme, ‘Own The Moment’, inspired young artists to step up and discover their potential. “There are so many incredible stars in this year’s show, it’s mind-blowing, and each of them has a unique story and talent to bring to the arena stage. This is their moment to show themselves and their nation just what they are capable of. I have never witnessed a line-up quite like this. It’s terribly exciting!”

Hundreds of Schools Spectacular participants over the years have gone on to become professional musicians, singers, dancers, designers, producers and musical directors.

Recent “Spec” alumni have performed in Australian productions of Kinky Boots, Matilda, We Will Rock You, Hairspray, Les Miserables, The Bodyguard and featured strongly in industry awards such as the ARIAs and Helpmann Awards.

This iconic event engages and showcases students of varying ages, cultures, skills and socio-economic backgrounds, from metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

For a taste of the quality and diversity of performances, visit the Schools Spectacular Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/schoolsspectacular/

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 17 JULY

Where:QUDOS BANK ARENA

Sydney Olympic Park

When:Friday 24 November 11am & 7.30pm

Saturday 25 November 1pm & 7pm

Prices:Platinum: Adults $57.00 | Concession $47.00

Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $177.00

Gold: Adults $40.00 | Concession $31.00 Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $122.00

Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au or phone 132 849

For further media enquiries pleases contact:

Metro: Amanda Buckworth, AB Publicity

M: 0413 949 140 E:

Regional: Grant Hatch, NSW Department of Education

T: 6334 8080 M: 0419 284 243 E:

MEDIA LIAISON UNIT
140 William Street Bathurst NSW 2795 T 02 63348080…M 0419 284243…E