CAMELOT Rise Primary School children have worked hard to create a Wakakirri story and dance performance that reflected the unique identity of the school.
Their hard work paid off when the school, in Galahad Crescent, Glen Waverley, was chosen as a Victorian finalist in the competition, which attracted more than 100 entrants statewide.
Wakakirri is a national story-dance competition for primary schools. Entrants perform an original, seven-minute piece to a live audience.
Camelot Rise co-ordinator Chris Duff said the item was titled, Where Legends Begin, which is one of the school’s mottos.
“It was based on the story of Excalibur – the sword in the stone.
“The story begins at Camelot.
“The knights are trying to pull the sword out of the stone, including young Arthur who everyone is making fun of because he’s small. Merlin appears and explains that, to be worthy, Arthur needs to learn the three Rs – respect, resilience and responsibility. These are our school’s three values.”
Arthur goes on a quest to obtain these values, and meets Australian legends Ian Thorpe, who teaches resilience, Cathy Freeman – respect, and the late heart surgeon, Victor Chan – responsibility.
“In the end Arthur has magically gained all three values and the peasants bow down to him after he pulls the sword out of the stone,” Ms Duff said.
The children were elated to hear their commitment and talents had earned them a place in the final.
“We called them in and gave them the news, and they just screamed and jumped up in the air,” Ms Duff said.
Parents Janine Cochrane and Viki Pickering choreographed the entry. The state final is at the Melbourne Concert Hall, September 4.
