On Friday 8 November, our talented students represented St John Paul II College at the Canberra Youth Dance Festival with an outstanding performance that opened the second act. Their piece, Shadows of the Mind, was choreographed by the senior dance class and brought a powerful narrative to the stage. Inspired by the theme What Do You Dream? This evocative work draws the audience into a surreal world where whimsical fantasies shift into haunting nightmares. Through movement and production elements, the dancers explore themes of inner darkness, fear of losing control, and the daunting journey of confronting our deepest anxieties alone.

The piece delves into the fragile boundary between dreams and reality, where unresolved fears and hidden emotions blur the line between fantasy and nightmare, creating a realm that feels both captivating and unsettling. The students’ performance captivated the audience, drawing praise from students from other schools, their friends, and their families. The Ausdance organisers also commended the dancers on the precision of their technique, the clarity of their creative storytelling, and their use of production elements like lighting, costume, and music to enhance the dark, dream-like atmosphere of the performance.

Congratulations to our JPC dancers for their incredible hard work and dedication which brought Shadows of the Mind to life on stage in such a memorable and impactful way. Their commitment to perfecting both the technical and expressive elements of the piece truly embodied our school values, showing strength in unity and resilience in the face of creative challenges.

We can’t wait to see what amazing performances they dream up next!

Mrs Dowling