Dancers Hit the Stage As Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Kicks Off

7 yrs Classical Solo (R-L): 1st - Gracie Obrien, 2nd - Alison Deicke, 3rd - Octavia Walsh, HC - Frankie Whybird

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Dancers from across North Queensland left it all on the floor over the last week, officially kicking off the 42nd Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod (BJE) last Tuesday.

The first and biggest of seven major categories across the two-week showcase, the dance competition saw hundreds of acts compete across different genres, with some participants earning more than one honour.

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President of the BJE, Annette Jorgensen, said this year’s dance section was one of the biggest and most hotly contested yet, with competition commencing a day earlier than scheduled to accommodate increased entries.

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She said judges and organisers alike were left impressed by the array of talent.

“Every year the talent on stage continues to impress us, with both our girls and boys showcasing incredible dedication, confidence and passion for dance,” Ms Jorgensen said.

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“It is wonderful to see competitors from different studios supporting and cheering each other on, creating such a positive and encouraging atmosphere both on and off the stage.”

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Ms Jorgensen said this year’s local contingent of participants represented the Burdekin region especially well, going toe-to-toe with their North Queensland counterparts.

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“The local Burdekin talent has continued to perform exceptionally well against competitors from other regions, demonstrating not only a high standard of performance but also the dedication and passion of our young performers,” she said.

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“It’s always wonderful to see local students confidently holding their own alongside visiting entrants and representing the Burdekin community so proudly at the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod.”

Jorgensen said the dance acts set a positive foundation for the rest of the eisteddfod, wrapping up on Sunday, 10th May, ahead of the music program starting the following day..

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This year’s BJE has drawn 2,784 entrants across dance, music, speech and drama, art, literature and photography, and Highland and Irish dancing, running through 17th May.

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Ms Jorgensen said the numbers were a testament to the event’s continued growth and strong community support, with plenty of action still to come.

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“This week is all about singing, instrumental performances, poetry, and public speaking, before finishing the weekend with a wonderful celebration of Highland and Irish dancing. I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible variety of talent on display,” she said.

See more pictures here: https://www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/dancers-hit-the-stage-as-burdekin-junior-eisteddfod-kicks-off

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1—8 years Jazz Solo (R-L): 1st - Alira Fielder, 2nd - Eva Twycross, 3rd - Aimee Grams, HC - Reagan Jorgensen

2—6yrs & under Classical Solo (R-L): 1st - Charlotte Smith, 2nd - Kiera Wright, 3rd - Calayah Ferris, HC - Portia Walsh

3—7yrs Jazz Solo (R-L): 1st - Gracie O’brien, 2nd - Arison Deicke, 3rd - Amina Urry, HC - Claire Kiernan

4—8yrs Classical Solo (R-L): 1st - Alira Fielder, 2nd - Aimee Grams, 3rd - Millie Borer, HC - Eva Twycross

5—6yrs & Under Demi Character (R-L): 1st - Octavia Armstrong, 2nd - Georgie Herrmann, 3rd - Portia Walsh, HC - Sage Serra

6—7yrs Lyrical Solo (R-L): 1st - Gracie O’brien, 2nd - Remie Thurston, 3rd - Octavia Walsh, HC - Arison Deicke

7—8yrs Demi Character (R-L): 1st - Alira Fielder, 2nd - Aimee Grams, 3rd - Millie Borer, HC - Olivia Patti

8—7yrs Tap solo - Any Tempo (R-L): 1st - Gracie O’brien, 2nd - Arison Deicke, 3rd - Bonnie Crichton, HC - Frankie Whybird

9—6 years & Under Tap Solo (R-L): 1st - Octavia Armstrong, 2nd - Portia Walsh, 3rd - Calayah Ferris, HC - Georgie Herrmann

10—7yrs Character Solo (R-L): 1st - Gracie O’brien, 2nd - Arison Deicke, 3rd - Frankie Whybird, HC - Freya Martin, Octavia Walsh

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