Cue music – here comes Sassy Gallagher.
The Kyle Bay dancer, 17, is a promising young talent who took to the stage this month for her major dance performance in this year’s HSC.
Sassy is one of 15 skilled dancers from Sylvania High School to take up the elective in 2016.
Dance is one of the HSC courses that requires students to submit a performance as part of their final exam mark.
Students study dance as an unique artform in which the body is the instrument for non-verbal communication and expression.
They also study the theory of dance, including anatomy of the body, and are assessed on performance, composition and appreciation.
Sassy started dancing at age four, and learns her craft at Active Elite Performers, where she also teaches.
The dancer celebrates a decade of dancing at the Kogarah studio this year.
For her solo HSC practical exam, Sassy performed a contemporary piece to Matt Corby’s song, Good to be Alone.
“It was based around the feeling of getting lost in dance – something I felt I could really relate to,” she said.
“I think I did well – I’ve worked hard for it.
“I love dance – it’s my favourite subject.
“It was a challenge finding the time to rehearse but it made school more enjoyable.”
Sassy hopes to study at Brent Street, and eventually try out musical theatre.
A total of 30 per cent of students (about 30,000) are studying at least one HSC course with a major project of performance component
Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards president Tom Alegounarias said practical HSC courses offer students the chance to build high level critical and creative thinking and project management skills valued by employers.
“Each year we see projects and performances that demonstrate very sophisticated responses to the course syllabuses and would not be out of place in a professional setting,” he said.
“The HSC provides opportunities for students with a diverse range of interests, abilities, and after school goals to leave school with excellent outcomes and a credential respected by employers and universities around the world.”
Active Elite studio director, Charisse Graber, says Sassy is a standout student.
“This young woman is capable of anything,” she said.
“Even at such a young age it was obvious she was meant to be on stage.
“Her dance ability was natural, but she has also worked tirelessly to become the incredible dancer she is today.”
