By Laura Michell
Epping’s Jemma Gonzalez can’t wait to step onto the stage at Hisense Arena next month.
The Epping Secondary College year 9 student is one of 16 principal dancers in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, which will hold two performances at the arena on September 15.
This is Jemma’s fifth year dancing in the spectacular after starting out as an ensemble dancer. It is her second year as one of the principal dancers.
Jemma has spent the past nine months training for the shows, dedicating entire Sundays to rehearsals to learn new styles and complex dance routines.
“It’s just great fun learning different styles. There are quite a lot of different styles including jazz and hip hop and some really sophisticated styles like salsa,” she said.
“The moment you step out on the arena, the rush of adrenaline you get is amazing.”
Jemma, 14, has been dancing since she was two years old, and said she hoped the spectacular will help her secure a career as a dancer.
“It’s what I love to do. I enjoy challenging myself,” she said.
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular performances will be held at 1pm and 6.30pm.
Tickets: ticketek.com.au/spectacular
