On May 15th a group of 86 Kaiapoi High School students performed an eight-minute piece in the annual Stage Challenge Competition at Horncastle Arena.

This year our theme was based on the fear of increasing Police brutality and governmental control. We wanted to explore the lack of faith in the motives of the governments in our world, which can result in discontent, uprisings and brutal reprisals. Our story followed a young couple who try to break away from the unfair controls of the government. On this journey they meet people like them who try to obtain freedom, but are suppressed and met with violence from the 'trusted' law enforcers.

Unfortunately we did not place on the night, but everyone performed to the best of their ability and we had many responses and comments given to us, praising our emotional and mesmerizing performance. We did win the Award of Excellence for Initiative and the Award of Excellence for Community, along with Awards for Choreography, Costuming Character and Soundtrack. This year we also had the largest participation ever, with nearly 90 students! A special ‘shout-out’ to the gentlemen among us, who stepped up with a crew of 15, balancing out the throng of ladies.

A big thank you to the people of the community that supported our performance and MENZ Shed for generously creating our great set! Congratulations to everyone that got involved in this amazing opportunity and to our senior leaders. You were a pleasure to work with and you should all be proud of what we accomplished. Our commitment and effort was well worth it, after seeing our special concept come to life. And of course thank you so much Miss Hamilton, for helping us in times of need and always being there to share your thoughts and opinions throughout the journey.

Gail Van Eyssen (Producer/Skeleton) and Keileigh Turner (Lead Choreographer/Skeleton/Duo)

And a word from Miss Hamilton…

I was extremely proud of our Stage Challenge piece. The choreography itself was imaginative, punchy and gritty. In the audience I heard the cheers and hollers of appreciation, as well as the gasps and murmurs of surprise and admiration. Our piece woke the audience up with its original choreography, that encompassed a number of different genres, to create an affecting and poignant storyline with a hard-hitting message. Our team's performance impressed with its energy, expression and seamless presentation.

Congratulations to all of our unflagging Stage Challenge performers and backstage crew and particularly to our Senior Leaders who planned, designed, devised, choreographed, costumed, taught and led backstage production and rehearsals, as well as having lead performance roles (phew!). To our two lead Choreographers: Keileigh Turner and Tayla Glasson, Producer: Gail Van Eyssen, Designer: Jen Cave and Solo and Duet Choreographers: Gia Hurring and Lizzy Howe… I was thrilled by all of your creative work and inspired by your determination and tireless innovation.

Well done K.H.S. Stage Challenge Team 2015!