Judging by the dress rehearsal, Southern Stars 2025 is shaping up to be something spectacular, yet again. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
More than 3000 school students are about to experience the thrill of performing on the Southern Stars stage as they join an Illawarra institution which has been creating unforgettable memories and unique opportunities for a quarter of a century.
The arena spectacular is celebrating the special anniversary with Unlimited, which blends comedy, acrobatics, musical excellence and extraordinary talent.
Students tackle every genre and style with performances that will melt your heart, make you giggle or simply get you bopping along. This year’s event is also a nod to the show’s history, as alumni share their favourite memories and moments.
Proud parents, family, friends and community members will be at the WIN Entertainment Centre today (Friday) and Saturday as it all comes together, with the buzzing atmosphere in the wings a combination of nerves, anticipation and excitement.
The performance is the product of months of hard work and rehearsals in school halls, homes and venues around the region, with students not only learning the dance moves but also how to navigate the space amongst hundreds if not thousands of other performers.
It can be tedious, challenging and extremely time consuming but under the lights of the stage, with music blaring and beside peers, it all becomes worth it.
The Unlimited cohort will join a group of more than 70,000 performers who have starred in the show over the years in the approximately 1035 dance numbers.
And despite my lack of dance experience and sometimes questionable coordination, I am lucky enough to have been one of them.
From being a mouse heading onto Noah’s Ark in 2003, an old-timey photographer in 2004, rocking white velvet and a poncho in Let it Snow in 2006, then fluro patterns for Joyful Joyful in 2008, to being a miner, headlamp, high-viz and all in 2010, I’ve had my fair share of Southern Stars experiences.
While the show is something that the community expects year after year, it truly can be a once in a lifetime experience for performers.
My dancing “career” lasted from ages six to eight, with the extent of my singing pretty much stopping at school choirs, so it may not come as a surprise that I wasn’t destined to perform in front of thousands.
And yet, I got to.
Southern Stars undoubtedly showcases the top talent in our region, with the impressive performances by many young people never ceasing to amaze and often acting as a springboard to success in performing arts.
But for your average Joes like me, the show can be just as important.
Back in the day: Keeli in 2004, performing in Southern Stars for a second time. Photo: Supplied.
Each year as I slogged away in rehearsals which required much more patience than I had at the time, I vowed it would be the last time I would sign up – but I kept coming back.
The exhilaration of the actual performance pushed out any negativity and the show lights blinded me to all the things I formerly whined about.
And just like that it was over much too soon.
Dancing on that stage was like nothing I had ever experienced. It’s something I will never get to experience again and I got to do it alongside people with whom I loved spending time.
In the moment it is just some fun, but there’s something about Southern Stars that will stick with these kids for life, so it’s vital that the community keeps showing up and supporting them.
And as you admire the featured artists and try to spot your own kids, take a second to appreciate those a bit more in the background.
Limited tickets are still available for Southern Stars Unlimited on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August through Ticketmaster.
