AN online link will enable students from the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie to join thousands of performers from around NSW on Monday for a massed dance rehearsal for this year's Schools Spectacular concert.
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Never before in the 36-year history of the Schools Spectacular has every dancer in the show had the opportunity to rehearse together for the iconic grand finale of the concert.
Technology will enable dancers who cannot make it to the home of the Schools Spectacular, at Qudos Bank Arena, in Sydney's Olympic Park, to log in from their school for a live link to be part of the rehearsal.
This year 2300 dancers will share the stage.
Among the participating local schools again this year is Northlakes High School.
Featured dancers will include Matilda Kenny, of Blue Haven, who attends Hunter School of Performing Arts, and Kurt Dawson, of Wadalba Community School.
The grand finale will see the 5500-strong cast come together on stage to celebrate their performance. The grand finale is considered the jewel in the crown of the Schools Spectacular.
There will be four Schools Spectacular performances - on Friday, November 22, at 11am and 7.30pm; and on Saturday, November 23, at 1pm and 7.30pm.
Schools Spectacular creative director Sonja Sjolander said excitement built as preparations gatherered pace.
"The enormity of the Schools Spectacular is becoming a reality," Ms Sjolander said.
"The year's Schools Spectacular theme is 'Stars'. It is a tribute to each and every one of our performers who will be a star and crucial to making this the best Schools Spectacular ever.
"Together we will celebrate their devotion to doing their best at every performance, and the dedication of the teachers, staff, parents and community who work so hard to get them on stage."
The cast will include 40 featured performers, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, stage band, 2700-voice choir, 2300 dancers, the D'Arts Ensemble disability program, the Aboriginal Dance Company, puppets and a behind-the-scenes team.
In the true spirit of variety, the fast-paced show will transition through a colourful choreographed kaleidoscope of music from pop and hip hop to the classics, from a crescendo of massed voices to stunning solos, and a full spectrum of dance styles.
While the show would be recorded for later broadcast by Channel 7, the best way to appreciate the Schools Spectacular was live at the Qudos Bank Arena, Ms Sjolander said.
Tickets, available through Ticketek, are already selling fast, she said.
