June, 2021

Coming into June, the pre senior students and above were excited to be

performing at this years KADS cabaret that followed an 80’s theme and

incorporated routines across all genres including, hip hop, lyrical, commercial, jazz

and tap. Cabaret was scheduled to go ahead on Friday the 4th of June. The

routines were clean and ready, the costumes were prepared and we were all

gearing up to perform in front of one of the largest crowds to ever attend a KADS

cabaret.

Our excitement and adrenaline was very quickly put on pause when there was an

announcement stating that there would be another 5 day snap lockdown across

Melbourne beginning on the 3rd of June, just one day before we were set to

perform. This news was devastating to all involved. After such an uncertain year,

we were all itching to perform in front of an audience again. However, just like the

previous lockdowns, we were not going to let this stop us.

Very quickly, an online timetable was prepared and before we knew it we were

continuing to rehearse and clean our routines from the comfort of our living rooms,

bedrooms, back yards and kitchens. We stayed positive, we worked hard and we

persisted in order to ensure that we could come out of this and still put on a show

for all to enjoy.

After 5 days, the government decided that lockdown would be extended for

another week. Although this was disheartening, we were still hopeful. We had

arranged a new date for cabaret and were keen to perform no matter what. There

was discussion of performing to a smaller audience, performing the routines in

studio and even creating a dance on film showcase similar to our end of year

performance in 2020, but ultimately we all wanted cabaret to continue as originally

planned, at our allocated venue with a full audience.

When the lockdown had eased and we were all cleared to get back into the studio,

we had just one week to rehearse together and await an easing of restrictions that

would allow cabaret to go ahead as originally planned.

Our hopeful, patient and positive attitudes paid off and just one day before

cabaret, restrictions were eased and it was announced that venues could go back

to full capacity. We were all thrilled!

We all arrived at the venue at 4pm on Friday the 25th of June with so much

excitement. We did a full run of the show to get a feel of the stage, topped up our

80’s inspired hair and makeup looks, got on our costumes and before we knew it,

guests were arriving and it was time to begin.

The show was a great success! The audience reception was brilliant. We got high

praise for our cleanliness, entertainment value and overall ability to get out on

stage and ooze a love for performing.

To perform a full showcase with KADS again felt incredible. We as a community

continue to persist and push through any obstacle that we encounter.

Every student, teacher, helper and supporter at KADS should be beyond proud of

themselves and those around them.

Lets continue to defy the odds, work hard and put on many more spectacular

performances and showcases in the future.