Near miss for challenge

By Callan Date
SO close but still so successful.
That was the line that summed up the efforts of all those involved with Pakenham Secondary College’s Rock Eisteddfod Challenge performance of Gaia after the school finished second in the state open Grand Final last Wednesday.
The long and successful journey for the 73 dancers and 20 stagehands began early this year and culminated in an energetic performance at Rod Laver Arena in front of about 6000 people.
After wowing the judges during the heats in August, the school won its way through to the grand final and raised the bar to another level for the main event, only to narrowly miss out on the top prize.
The school won five awards in total including accolades for their excellence in stage use, performance skill, show concept, set design and entertainment value.
Cocoordinator Kintara Phillips said the performance went to plan on the night and was thrilled to finish second in such a quality field.
“We were hoping to reach the grand final just for the pure fact the students had worked so hard and the performance is over in eight minutes,” Ms Phillips said.
Students upped the temp towards the heat and grand final by spending the last three months practising at least seven hours a week.
“We are having a celebration party tonight (last Friday) with all the students, parents and staff who helped and the kids will be watching their performance from the grand final for the first time,” Ms Phillips said.
Rock Eisteddfod Challenge associate producer Brielle Buckley said the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge has a 27 year history of motivating young Australians to make the right decisions and provide a platform for youth creativity and expression.
“The event was a huge success with performances of a very high standard and every participant embracing the 100 per cent drug and alcohol free ethos of the event,” Ms Buckley said.
And what about a show next year?
“We have vowed that September will be a Rock Eisteddfod free month and then we will get into the planning for next year in October,” Ms Phillips said.