ROCK EISTEDDFOD

Hi,

I'm posting this entry to cover the antics of some past mordiexperience students. On Wednesday just gone several dance artists formerly known as year 9 MEX students (see if you can spot 'em in the photos!) all left Mordi at 5.30 am and travelled into Hisense Arena (re Vodafone) and competed in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. Schools from all over the state were there, at a rough estimate about 800 students, all to dance up a storm and to do the best they could to reach the grand final held early in September.

The official day began when we arrived at the load in bay at 6.45am, unpacked all the sets and props, and then loaded all the costumes and make-up and hair dryers and spray paint and pillows and glitter and snack food into the dressing room they had allocated for us. Yes, it was a tight squeeze!

Our rehearsal time was 9am so we had to be quick. The backstage crew concentrated on getting the sets and stage ready while the performers got into position for a chance to practice the show. We were allocated 15 minutes of rehearsal time max. We managed to get 3 runs through the show before we had to vacate the stage so the next school could practice. The rest of the day was spent watching the other schools rehearse and meeting other students who love dancing as much as we do. The spirit amongst the schools involved was so warm and appreciative that it was more like a concert than a competition.

7pm was when the Arena opened to let in the public and the first school had to perform for real....no more rehearsals, this was it. Mordi was scheduled to go on at 9pm, 12 hours after they had practiced. Would they remember all they're dance moves in the right order???? You bet they did! The show was fantastic. The whole production, from the backstage crew, the dancers, the behind the scenes teachers, the lighting crew, everything went without a hitch. What a massive success.

We then had to wait around 'til after the final school performed to find out the results. It was worth it because Mordi collected 9 awards for excellence in the different judging categories. A feat equalling our best ever effort.

The night was not over just yet though. The performers went home with their parents from the venue but the sets and props and glitter and make-up and....... well you know, all had to be packed up and loaded back in the trucks by the backstage crew and the teachers, and transported back to school, unloaded and packed away ready for another time just in case we make it through to the Grand Final. The day finished just a shave before midnight; one of the most action packed days you would ever want to be involved with.

Posted by teacher in absentia Mr Tim Fifis.
(P.S. We find out next Tuesday)