Over the weekend our Rimu dance company attended the DanceNZmade nationals competition in Palmerston North. Students had an intense weekend of performing in the solo, duo/trio and team sections. Ava Fitzsimmons and Olivia Ballance competed in the solo division. Olivia placed 2nd in the Year 9 section, and Ava placed 3rd in the Year 12 section. Both of these dances were choreographed by Ava herself, which was a highlight to see her own work in the spotlight.

On Saturday evening, Rimu performed their piece 'Difference' choreographed by Ekaitz Espino. The team made up of 12 students danced their hearts out and made us all incredibly proud with their polished performance.

Sunday morning was full of workshops, testing the girls' abilities to pick up choreography and dance various genres. Sunday afternoon was the duo and trio's part of the competition. We had three duos compete, consisting of Mollie & Emily Brickwood (Year 12), Zara Johnson and Olivia Ballance (Year 9) and Aiofe Maher & Holly Dickinson (Year 11). Zara and Olivia won the Year 9/10 duo/trio competition and they placed 3rd overall in the whole national duo/trio competition.

It was an excellent weekend of dance that yet again showcased how incredibly talented our students are. We look forward to watching them all perform again in 'Dancing for 298' gala fundraising for the Korowai Youth Wellbeing Trust on Saturday, 16 September, and the annual Evening of Dance on Wednesday, 27 September in Atawhai. Be sure to get your tickets to these upcoming events!