Student dancers shine at 2024 PDSSSC Dance Extravaganza

The 14th Annual Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council (PDSSSC) Dance Competition brought together hundreds of the best student dancers from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) for a day of exceptional performances and spirited competition.

Held at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, the event saw teams and solo dancers from 11 CSPD schools and Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta showcasing their talent across multiple dance categories.

The competition featured an array of dance styles, including solo performances, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, cultural, and jazz. Each category highlighted the students' dedication to their craft and their ability to convey emotion and energy through movement.

"This event is always a great success," remarked Chris Anschau, PDSSSC Executive Officer. "The standard was exceptional and the whole day highlights the wonderful sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists among our students and schools."

Guest judge for the day was professional dancer, Grace Tahhan, who has trained under some of Australia’s leading choreographers such as Marko Panzic, Catarina Santos and Lauren Seymour and performed at Eurovision 2022 for Paulini, Australian Open KDS, on The Masked Singer and much more.

The dancers not only competed for top honours but also cheered each other on, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

The day concluded with the announcement of the winners, who were celebrated for their technical skill, creativity, and passion. Every participant was commended for the overall quality of the performances.

Marian Catholic College Kenthurst was announced as Champion School, with Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park as Runner Up. Marian teams won the Hip Hop, Jazz, Junior Solo and Senior Solo categories, with Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables winning Lyrical/Contemporary and Cerdon College Merrylands winning the Cultural category.

Other CSPD schools who participated and presented strong performances include Catherine McAuley Westmead, Delany College Granville, Nagle College Blacktown, St John Paul II Catholic College Nirimba and Schofields, St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park and Xavier College Llandilo.