DanceSport Challenge Gala
Since 2016, Orange Grove Public School has proudly taken part in the 'DanceSport Challenge Gala' program, a NSW Public Schools initiative. The DanceSport Challenge started in 2006 with the express purpose of uniting communities by teaching Stage 3 children to dance as a way of building mutual respect, cooperation, partnership and responsibility. It is a culmination of a ballroom dance program that promotes respectful relationships, particularly between the genders. The finale is a dazzling sight at the Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park in September. Our very own Mr Tan coordinates the program!
The brainchild of Sandra Nori, former parliamentarian and Minister for Sport and Recreation, and in partnership with Dr Phil Lambert from the Department of Education, the first event began with just six schools. The program was developed to engage Year 5 public school children in healthy physical activity, as well as promoting respect and mutual cooperation between boys and girls.
In recent years, the program had grown into an exciting event of over 1400 Year 5 primary-age students dancing the Jive, Salsa, Cha Cha, Samba and Tango. Under dazzling lights and the tough scrutiny of judges, the school representatives go head to head in a wonderful display of colour, movement energy and sheer joy!
DanceSport achievements for Orange Grove Public School in recent years are as follows:
- NSW Public Schools DanceSport Gala Champions, 2018
- 2nd Place Salsa, 3rd Place Jive, 5th Place Cha Cha, 7th Place Tango, 2018
- NSW Public Schools SpecFest, Schools Spectacular 2018 and 2019
- NSW Public Schools DanceSport Gala 3rd Place Overall School, 2019
- 1st Place Tango, 1st Place Jive, Semi-Finalists Cha Cha and Salsa, 2019
