TWO talented young dancers from Laurieton Public School are getting ready for an exciting opportunity after being selected to represent the Lower North Coast at the 2026 State Dance Festival in Sydney.
Ara and Macie are among 14 young dancers from Years 5 to 8 who have been selected from across the region to be part of the Lower North Coast Junior Dance Ensemble.
The girls auditioned for their place, with dancers from public schools across the Lower North Coast invited to take part. Each dancer recorded a solo performance, and the videos were submitted to the Lower North Coast Dance Festival committee for judging.
For Ara and Macie, being selected is a huge achievement andthey are both very excited about.
“I am very proud of myself! Making it into the ensemble was a big achievement for me and making it to State is even bigger,” Ara said.“I’m excited to dance on a new stage and to meet new people. I am excited to get Hungry Jacks after!”
Macie is just as excited about the experience, particularly getting to spend time with the other dancers. “I’m excited that I made it, I am looking forward to being backstage with the ensemble girls,” she said. “I can’t wait to be in Sydney and to eat frozen yoghurt.”
The ensemble first came together in May, and the girls have been rehearsing ever since, working with a specialist choreographer to prepare their performance.
They will hold a dress rehearsal at Hastings Secondary College in Port Macquarie on Thursday, 10 September, before travelling to Sydney to rehearse and perform at the Seymour Centre on Wednesday, 16 September.
It is a fantastic opportunity for Ara and Macie to experience performing on a new stage, meet other young dancers, build their confidence and proudly represent LPS and the Lower North Coast.
With months of preparation behind them, Ara & Macie are looking forward to taking their place among the ensemble and experiencing what promises to be a memorable few days of dance in Sydney.
And of course, if Ara and Macie have anything to do with it, the trip will finish with a very important stop for Hungry Jacks and frozen yoghurt!
By Chantelle ANSELL
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