Facepaint, costumes, action!
Te Rapa School was transported to Funky Town when their annual Jump Jam competition saw students head from uptown to an afro circus.
Five classes from the Year 3 and 4 syndicate performed a routine from one of the Jump Jam tracks.
And who was there to judge but none other than Jump Jam creator Brett Fairweather.
Jump Jam is an aerobic programme for schools, specifically for primary and intermediate students and teachers.
Designed to challenge fundamental movement skills, increase fitness, develop student leadership and motivate students to move and enjoy exercise, Jump Jam is continuously transforming with each new generation of music.
It features a fusion of dance and fitness disciplines along with cultural interpretations that capture the look, attitude, posture and elements of aerobics and fitness.
Teacher Sarah Shearer said Jump Jam had ‘‘a huge following’’ at Te Rapa School.
It is the fourth year they have held a competition, in which families are invited to watch the spectacle which includes face paint, costumes, wigs and glitter.
Classes have practised since the beginning of term and had their hand in choosing the music and costumes.
There were also two dress rehearsals prior to the competition on September 21, Shearer said.
It was evident that the students’ hard work paid off as Brett, who is the first ever double World Aerobic Champion and eight time New Zealand Aerobic Champion, judged the five routines.
He announced the overall winner as Room 10’s performance of Ice, Ice Baby.
Brett also held a leadership talk with the Years 5-8s, and at lunch, all of the students were invited to a Jump Jam session with Brett as the leader.
Since Jump Jam was devel- oped in 2000 it has been adopted by over 90 per cent of New Zealand primary schools.
Shearer said the programme builds confidence in the students as well as allowing them to feel individuality and motivation.
‘‘There has been a real buzz in the air at school. I have received so much positive feedback from staff and parents too,’’ she said.
‘‘It has been a very successful day and we hope Brett can come back again.’’