ALMOST 70,000 STUDENTS LEAP INTO ACTION FOR EISTEDDFOD
ANYONE who believes that most young people spend their time glued to smartphones or TV screens just hasn’t been paying attention.
And the proof is on show at the extraordinary Gold Coast Eisteddfod, where just under 70,000 talented students have been wowing judges with dancing, piano recitals, drama and more.
General manager of Gold Coast Eisteddfod Judith Ferber said the competition – which began at the end of last month and would continue until the end of August – was the largest in Australia.
“There’s 1250 dance groups, 330 bands and orchestras, 160 choirs from all over Australia,” she said.
“We have 155 schools from Queensland ... and 2500 to 3000 solos performing dance. Every section has five winners announced.”
Ms Ferber said the Eisteddfod had started with about 600 competitors more than 30 years ago and its growth was in part thanks to an increase in the popularity of school dance programs.
“Dance has become an integral part of the curriculum,” she said. “It’s become more normal. We have four days of school dance clubs, primary and secondary.”
The fact that the Eisteddfod was based at the Gold Coast Arts Centre helped to attract competitors as well.
“It’s a new avenue to perform in front of the public in a professional theatre,” she said.
Ms Ferber said everyone was invited to watch the performances.
“We would really like more people to come and watch hours and hours of entertainment,” she said.
Entry is $10 for an adult.