Students raising funds to tell stories their way

By Samantha Elley

Everyone has a story to tell and sometimes that story can be delivered through dance and music.

This is the premise behind Wakakirri, which was established in 1992 and has grown into Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools, engaging more than 10,000 students each year.

Over 50 students from St Brigids Primary School in Kyogle will be participating this year in the first round of Wakikirri, to be held in Brisbane.

“Both my kids do Wakakirri,” said Lara Kennedy, who is also the Wakakirri choreographer for St Brigids.

“This year we didn’t get a grant for travelling to Brisbane so I thought, ‘Why don’t Lacro Acrobatics hold a concert to raise money’.

“Then I thought, realistically, I don’t have enough performances for a full concert, so asked two other dance schools to collaborate.

“So now we are doing a combined concert.”

And that is how ‘One Night, One Stage’ came into being with the talent of students from Lacro Acrobatics and two other dance schools.

It will be held on June 28 at the KMI Hall, Stratheden Street, Kyogle.

“There is a barbeque at 5pm and the concert starts at 6pm,” said Lara.

“Entry to the concert is $15 or $10 for children under 12.”

Lara said they are hoping to raise enough funds to send the students to the first Wakakirri round.

“We need to pay for the bus, costumes, pizza on the night for the kids, props and other expenses,” she said.

“The kids are so excited and get so into it.

“They have been rehearsing five days a week, taking 15-20 mins out of their lunch break.”

Tickets are available through Humanitix and St Brigids Primary School, Kyogle.