Review: Superstars ‘15 Years Celebration’
If you live in or near Carina Heights or Coorparo you will know all about Superstars. You will be already be chorusing ‘where everyone shines.’ But if you haven’t heard about this wonderful dance and performance school then I’d suggest you might want to look out for it. Particularly if you know anyone of school age. Over the last 15 years, Superstars has grown to become a popular local performing school with over 600 students. Attending the end-year concert at the Chandler Theatre (Sleeman Sports Complex) it was not a surprise to discover that Superstars was this year recognised as the best local school aged activity provider (What’s On 4 Kids Awards).
Picture: Great to see so many boys onstage. Picture credit: Geoff lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
During the afternoon, the School had over 500 of its 650 students on the stage for the 15 years celebration, treating the audience of proud parents and impressed friends and supporters to a professional program of song and dance. The teachers and support staff kept everything moving, and the time just flew by. By the end of the afternoon the audience had been treated to a smorgasbord of song, ballet, tap, Irish dance, contemporary dance, break-dancing, musical theatre, hip hop….
The opening number (with 60 students of all ages) set the tone. Beautiful costumes (great to spot the hard work of Jaymee Richards in the Superstars team), and choreography that was tailored to the skills of the individual performers. I am sure that everyone smiled at the charming ‘When I grow up,’ and there wasn’t a dry eye by the time all 500 students (including 82 boys) were called back on stage for the pre-interval awards.
Picture: Those tap-dancing teachers.... Picture Credit: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
The show was all about the students, but I have to say that I spent some time mesmerised by the focused and enthusiastic performances of their teachers. And I am not just talking about their tap-dancing (when a student seated behind me proudly pointed out, in a suitable stage whisper, ‘that’s my teacher’). Well done to Gabriella Flowers, Bronte Devine, and the rest of the teachers who coached the students throughout the afternoon (and during the year). You clearly bring out the best in your students.
Throughout the show it was clear to see that the Superstars performers were having fun, concentrating hard (so lovely to watch the interactions with their teachers), and doing their absolute best. It is difficult to pick out any single highlight. I loved the break-dancing (those poses), was impressed by the ballet, was entertained by the tap-dancing, and smiled broadly through the contemporary dance.
Picture: I just loved those poses.... Picture credit: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
The marching/ cheerleading performance to Different Drum was beautifully done, and such a great choice of music, with the line “All you need to try to be is who you're made to be.” Rachael Tiernan has created a School that encourages students to have fun, and brought together a team of teachers who each encourage the celebration of individual potential. Which meant that it wasn’t just the performers who had fun: there were some exceptionally proud and very happy parents, grandparents and friends who had a wonderful time.
The Chandler Theatre was the perfect venue for this show. I think if Superstars had found somewhere bigger, they would still have filled it. Look out for more about their annual program—which includes holiday classes—by visiting their Facebook page or website. Makes you wish you were school-age again!
Catherine Lawrence
The reviewer attended Superstars 15 Year Celebration at the Chandler Theatre, Chandler, on Sunday 19th November 2017, 2:00pm.