Guys in Groove (GIG

Guys In Groove (GIG)

Ms Elise Kukulka Dance Coordinator

Week 2 of 2014: Sixty boys arrive Period 2 on a Tuesday to try out for this year’s crew. The energy was electric as Years 7–12s were put through their paces to grab one of the 28 places available. It was this incredible start to the year that set the tone for the wonderful months of dance to come.

Led by their Dance Captain, Jake Tana (12.1), work began to get the boys into shape. The aim was to create an even bigger and better routine for the 2014 Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools, so many different styles were workshopped. The boys were fortunate to participate in three workshops with a leading WA choreographer and WAAPA graduate, Matthew Treadgold, who instructed them in correct (and safe) ways to lift, flip, jump and generally throw themselves around the room in an impressive manner. Then the task of constructing the piece, Four Elements, began.

The students were given the chance to submit suggestions for a theme for their routine and a group of three boys suggested a theme that explored the four elements: fire, water, wind and earth. Utilising four different tracks, the aim was to explore four different genres of dance, each linked to an element and incorporating as many different levels as possible.

With the assistance of Jake Tana (12.1), Michael Wright (11.3) and Liam Heald (10.1) the routine was crafted by the start of Term 3 ready for the Dance Drama Showcase. It was clear that the addition of new tricks and somewhat dangerous throws and shoulder stands had the audience impressed, and the boys were pumped to take to the stage of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to compete. Once again, the crowds and judges alike were amazed and the group earned an Honourable Mention and left the night brimming with happiness that their months of hard work and sacrifice had paid off.

In a new initiative, the auditions for the 2015 crew were held in Week 4 of Term 4 and 22 Years 7–11 students were selected, with six spots left available for the Year 7s of 2015 to try out. It was exciting to see so many new faces coming forward, along with previous GIG members, and it is also encouraging to see the skill level that some new dancers will bring to the program next year. Special thanks goes to Miss Beth Parkinson, Ms Lisa Laurino and Mr Matthew Treadgold who have all been vital supporters of the Dance program this year, along with Dr Robert Braham. Sincere appreciation must also go to Mrs Philippa Dyson who gave up so much of her time to help with costuming and back stage preparations for performances.

It has been a year of success and one that all members and supporters of GIG should feel immensely proud. With no signs of slowing down next year, the passion of boys for Dance at Trinity is something that we should all celebrate.

Ms Elise Kukulka Dance Coordinator

GIG perform at the Catholic Performing Arts Concert

Guys In Groove (GIG) Back Row: Alexander Sumich, Reece Gherardi, James Heald, John Bradford, Jake Tana, Michael Wright, Liam Heald, Rohan James Middle Row: Riley Hanlon, Nicholas Bradford, Aaron Moore, Giordano Ronzan, Jacob Cowan, Thomas Moorcroft, Harry Boyle, Joshua Turibaka, Iszac Wayne, Ms Elise Kukulka Front Row: Benjamin Olivieri, Luke Dyson, Lachlan Bertram, Abdurahman Roach, Dylan Salvia, Joel Taylor, Fynnigan Langer, Ben Kelly, Declan Allen Absent: Ethan Gosatti, Louis James

GIG perform at the Trinity Dance and Drama Night GIG Perform The Four Elements at Presentation Night

Drama