Dedicated Dance Crew Delivers “EXPRESSION” Session

Last Friday night, a large crowd in the Nautilus Theatre was treated to an incredible public performance of our 2026 Dance Production, “EXPRESSION”.

This year’s show featured a diverse collection of sixteen dances and video clips, brilliantly delivered by debut Director Miss Susan Hennell and her highly talented crew of Year 12, 11, 10, 9 and Staff dancers.

The skilfully choreographed creative exploits of our talented and dedicated performers were complemented by spectacular costumes, lighting and visual effects. It was wonderful to witness genuine crew spirit on show throughout the night, with our students (and staff) clearly finding joy within each opportunity to collaborate on stage with their peers.

Congratulations to all involved in this sensational production (names listed below) – it was both a practical demonstration of our school values in action (RESPONSIBLE~RESPECTFUL~INCLUSIVE), and another amazing advertisement of the extraordinary capabilities of our students and staff. BRAVO!

DANCERS:

Stage 2 Creative Arts:

• Mia Boyce
• Tahlia Lewis
• Teata-Mai McDonnel
• Oliyena Thomas
• Piper Wahlin

Stage 1 Dance:

• Isabela Atkins
• Grace Bateson-Mundy
• Ruby Camilleri
• Rylee Chatfield
• Phoebe Fisher
• Stella Franklin
• Kahlia James
• Bella McEvoy
• Amelia McNair
• Isla Nagel
• Miann Sanders

Year 10 Dance:

• Mary Baderinwa
• Lucas Dixon
• Stephanie Rocchi
• Rebekka Stimson

Year 9 Dance:

• Sasha Ansderson
• Willoh Brown
• Mavis Coleman
• Lacey Cullen
• Ebony Dodd
• Sophie Gray
• Stella Hatzimanolis
• Indigo Hood
• Eli Leslie
• Sharlee Leslie
• Amani Schlink
• Tahmia Taylor-Murray
• Neve Thomas
• Marni Tiller
• Nellie Wallace
• Frankie Woolford

Staff Dance:

• Makenna Dunning
• Stacey Hartwich
• Tayla Helbig
• Susan Hennell
• Nicola Linn
• Helen Marks
• Melanie McGown
• Caitlin Randall
• Casie Richardson
• Courtney Richter
• Michaela Webb
• Nat Van Riet

PRODUCTION ITEMS:

1. ABC – All students
2. Expression – Stage 2 Creative Arts
3. GROOVE – Years 9 & 10
4. Hypnotic Stillness – Senior Contemporary
5. Genesis – Stage 1 Dance Film
6. The Divide – Stage 2 Creative Arts, Rylee, Bella, Phoebe, Isla & Isabella
7. 4 Minutes – Years 9 & 10
8. FEISTY – Oliyena & Bella
9. Estranged – Mia
10. MATILDA – Years 9 & 10 Film
11. Dreams – Stage 2 Creative Arts
12. What does Expression mean to you? – Stage 2 Creative Arts Film
13. Attention! – Senior Jazz
14. Sweet Melody – Years 9 & 10
15. DARE – Senior Hip Hop
16. The Finale – Everyone

‘The Divide’ is a contemporary dance piece about the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished, demonstrated through sharp, controlled movements and rough, emotional choreography. As the dancers interact, the performance explores That while social classes may separate people, the longing for connection remains. ~ Mia Boyce

My piece 'FEISTY' is a powerful, afro-inspired duet with Bella. The two of us have danced together for 6 years and have formed a close bond and instinctive synchronicity when it comes to our dance style, sense of humour, and energy. My choreography reflects our fierce, confident personalities and ability to connect so easily in the studio and on stage. Dance is where Bella and I met; it is a beautiful space for young creative minds to express themselves and find life-long connections. Every dancer has a story; 'FEISTY' is mine. ~ Oliyena Thomas

‘Estranged’ explores the experience of becoming unfamiliar to oneself, caught between isolation and the desire to belong. Through fragmented movement and emotional distance, the dance reveals the quiet ache caused by a disconnection from identity and belonging. ~ Mia Boyce

SPECIAL THANKS:

I wish to thank and acknowledge PLHS staff and the Arts faculty for their support this year. I am very proud of what our students have achieved throughout this semester. Special thanks to the following people and organisations, and to all performers and their families for their participation and support throughout this semester:

• Caitlin Randall – Stage Manager
• Nicole Gurton & Mel McGown – Backstage Managers
• Sharon McEvoy, Kirsty Kenny & Kath Dennis – Ticketing
• Rachel Ambrose – Ticket Printing
• Shaun Thomas – Photography & Promotions
• Eli Leslie – Filming
• Teata-Mai McDonnell – Ticket & Backdrop Design
• Oliyena Thomas – Poster Design
• Tahlia Lewis – Costuming & Make-up Design
• Piper Wahlin – Hair & Backdrop Design
• Lilah Ottens – Make-up Design
• Hanna Minchin
• Julie Gunn, Huey Hood & Nellie Jones – Choreography
• The courageous Staff dancers for giving up your time and getting on stage
• The Nautilus Arts Centre team
• A very special thank you to our audience for showing your support

~ Miss Susan Hennell – Director, “EXPRESSION”