It has been a momentous year for Kempsey's Jim Stirling-Kelly.
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In June this year, the Melville High School Year 11 student travelled to Melbourne to audition for Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance and was successful in gaining entry to study dance full-time for two years, commencing in February 2020.
Jim's dancing story began while in Year 7, when Jim developed an interest in acrobatics and enrolled in Danae Cantwell's School of Dance.
Under Danae's tuition and guidance, Jim was introduced to the amazing world of dance, enjoying acro, jazz, modern and contemporary styles, his ability to execute difficult moves and remember sequences complimented his natural talent.
Danae Cantwell School of Dance Studio became his second home, the students and their mum's his extended family.
Dance opportunities through school included, the Lower North Coast Dance Ensemble, Melville's Got Talent and the Southern Network Dance Festival, all of which provided the platforms to build dance experience and confidence.
In Year 9 Jim attended a workshop with Bangarra Youth, part of an annual process where hundreds of secondary students from across Australia have the opportunity to learn from the world renowned Bangarra Aboriginal Dance Company.
Shortlisted from around 600 students, Jim was one of the 30 students selected into the elite NSW Public Schools Department of Education Aboriginal Dance Company - this was the start of a life changing experience evolving from a grass roots love of dance.
Belonging to Company requires a huge commitment for rural students, travelling to Sydney in September for two weeks rehearsal, leading up to performing in the State Dance Festival and then another two weeks in November leading up to the Schools Spectacular.
Belonging to Company involves hours of intense rehearsal whilst gaining knowledge and applying the values of Bangarra: Reciprocity and Mutual Obligation.
The relationships we have with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are our precious resource and inspiration; Cultural Exchange, Kinship, Cultural Protocols, Cultural Integrity, Respect, Connection and Care for Country.
Jim has been fortunate to live this amazing experience for the past three years, during which time the company students from across NSW have formed a bond of kinship, connection and belonging which will influence and shape their lives beyond their High School years.
Jim wishes to thank and acknowledge Melville High School P and C, Clontarf Boys Academy, Kempsey Macleay RSL Club, Kempsey Shire Council and his family and friends who have generously contributed in many ways over the years to allow his participation.
The School Spectacular was televised last Saturday night.