AFTER a two-year hiatus, championship-winning school St Columba’s College is returning to the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.
The landmark high school competition was controversially axed in 2010, but a public backlash saw it revived last year.
The school alternates yearly between competing in the Challenge and staging a musical.
At the helm, as she has been since the school first entered the competition in 1990, is dance teacher Linda Henderson.
“I hope I remember what to do,” Henderson jokes on an empty stage in the school’s drama room.
“We’re into it now. We’re having a bit of fun.”
“There’s not a whole lot out there for schools to do something with dance and creative production. It brings the community together – the students, parents and school, which doesn’t often happen with many other things and that’s the reason it’s been so successful.”
Henderson’s own journey into dance began as a child.
Tall and lean, she was sent to dance school by her mother, who didn’t want her to slouch.
“That’s the reason I went. I started doing it and loved it. And here I am.”
The 52-year-old Taylors Lakes resident progressed into teaching and hasn’t regretted the decision for one moment.
She began teaching dance at St Columba’s in 1984. “I don’t regret my choice. I’m happy. I’m here doing what I love.”
The school is the most successful in Rock Eisteddfod history, having won five national titles, starting with Vivid Changes in 1990.
Asked to pinpoint the reason for the school’s success, Henderson puts it down to a team effort.
“It’s not just me,” she says humbly.
“It’s a team effort. I have a group of parents who support the dance program. They support me as well. They make the costumes.
“The students, the school; they all put in and support one another. I’m just the one at the top who does all the choreography.”
Henderson concedes it was a tough time when news of the Rock Eisteddfod’s axing broke in 2010.
“That was our year. We were supposed to do it. We were very disappointed. We didn’t get the letter until March. We thought we were doing it. It was sad for everyone, a lot of schools. I’m glad that it’s back.”
The school’s performance this year is based on the global financial crisis and involves 120 students, some dressed as sheep to represent countries and others as wolves representing bankers.
Henderson says she normally talks to students and comes up with a theme based on what they’re studying in English or what’s going on in the world.
She says she’s unsure what the future holds, but it will most likely be much of the same.
“I love teaching because I love the students and seeing what they can do and what they can come up with. St Columba’s is a very special place. The people are wonderful. I’m blessed to be among them.”
Still on the empty stage, Henderson says despite giving up the chance to perform in favour of teaching, she never gets itchy feet.
“Oh God, no, I’m too old! I just do the teaching and let them perform. Let the young ‘uns do it, I say.”
