Talent showcase on the horizon

IN the coming weeks the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod will begin its 2025 run with the dance competition kicking off the eisteddfod season at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre from July 6.

The dance division is unusually large this year with schools from Adelaide joining local and regional competitors – all eager to display their talents.

Running over eight and a half days this division showcases the dancers in solos, group and troupe dances of varying traditional and modern genres.

The calisthenics division follows dance, also in the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, with clubs from Victoria and South Australia, along with locals, performing in a jam packed few days.

The eisteddfod then moves to the Wehl Street Theatre for its smaller divisions.

First up, is choral and vocal with mainly local entrants having the opportunity to sing on stage, performing modern, traditional and the ever-popular jazz and blues from solos, duos and talented choirs.

Speech and drama is a mostly schools-based division with a large Under 6 Nursery Rhyme section in which every participant receives a book kindly sponsored by Big W Mount Gambier.

There is also an open night time session with drama enthusiasts taking to the stage reciting, acting and thinking on their toes in the Impromptu Conversation section in which they are given a topic and one minute to think of how the competitors are going to discuss it, usually with laughs to be had.

Next up is music where performers get the chance to see how their hard work has paid off.

On stage, in front of an adjudicator, musicians of varying instruments – or in the case of bands, many instruments at once – are able to perform pieces they have been trying to perfect through hours of practice.

The eisteddfod closes with highland dance.

This is the first year highland is being offered and eisteddfod organisers are excited to introduce it.

Backstage Incorporated president Natalia Chalinor said she was thrilled that they have added highland dance to the program.

“The eisteddfod is a great place to see up and coming talent,” Natalia said. “A great day or night out for young and old. I hope people will come to watch and support all those putting themselves up front and giving it a go. We encourage you to see a bit of everything!”

For further information on dates and times and ticket prices (tickets available at the door) see www.backstageinc.org.au and search for the division you are interested in.