By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Primary School students stepped into a whole new world of personal growth through their production of Aladdin.
More than 60 kids from Grades 1 to 6 are involved in dancing, acting, singing, set design and more have been rehearsing for 10 months.
Performing arts co-ordinator Bianca Cumine-Groza said 90 per cent were from an English as an Additional language (EAL) background.
“I can’t wait to see the pride on the faces of both the parents and teachers alike on the night when they witness what their kids have been up to,” she said.
“They are just phenomenal!
“They’ve put their own little personalities into the characters and are delivering their lines humorously – and rather professionally, if I do say so myself.
“The hidden talents that will be on display will pleasantly surprise some of our teachers, who will recall some of these students as once being shy and quiet.”
Ms Cumine-Groza said there had been an amazing sense of camaraderie between staff, students and parents as they’d worked together to plan, design, choreograph and rehearse.
“There has been a significant amount of personal growth in their abilities, confidence and self-esteem, making all the hard background work the teachers have been doing so worthwhile,” she said.
“There is great value in productions like these, for they afford our kids – who may not ordinarily have such opportunities due to varying life circumstances – a chance to step into a whole new world of personal growth and collaborative adventure.”
The performance night will begin with Aladdin’s Agrabah Bazaar, where staff and parents will dress up as citizens of Aladdin’s make-believe city and help with a barbecue, fun games and craft activities like making friendship bracelets and henna painting.
“All aimed at fostering a greater sense of community and to celebrate the production kids’ achievements together,” Ms Cumine-Groza said.
Dandenong Primary School’s Aladdin production is on from 6pm on Thursday 24 October at the St Mary’s auditorium, McCrae Street, Dandenong. Tickets are $5.
Call the school on 9792 2743 for more information.
