Celebrating talent at Jam Performing Arts

Jam Performing Arts dance studio at North Lakes held its annual gala awards night on Sunday, December 3.

The awards night was an end-of-year break-up party for students to celebrate growth, commitment and adversity during the year.

Jam Performing Arts studio director Danica Edge says they have two sets of awards to accommodate the variety of ages in the studio.

“Our gala awards night is our annual event for our students that are seven years and older. Our youngest students have a separate party and awards presentations more tailored to them,” Danica says.

“We have many categories that we celebrate at these awards, but it is also an opportunity for everyone to get dressed up, have some downtime with their peers and teachers and have a great night.”

The awards celebrate different aspects of being a dancer.

"Our awards celebrate different things from being a first year, five year or even 10 and 15-year students, as they have stayed with something for pretty much most of their lives and that form of dedication is something that should be celebrated and awarded,” Danica says.

“We also have achievement awards for different dance styles in each age group and improvement and encouragement awards to recognise not only talent but hard work and discipline.”

There are three major award categories, including the spirit award, adversity award and dancer of the year award.

The spirit award is for showing the Jam spirit with supportive behaviour and being a team player while the adversity award is for showing grit through the face of hardship.

"And the dancer of the year award is for the brightest shining star," Danica says.

“These awards are highlights to all the dancers and they all get a massive cheer when announced. This year, two of the major awards were siblings, so that was pretty special too.

“The awards nights are not for accolades as much as they are for recognising growth.

“Everyone deserves some recognition for not just showing up but also having a great work ethic and team spirit.

“These are big things at our studio, and these are attributes that will take all the students far in life no matter where they end up and what industry. Recognising these things helps them continue to put in the effort it takes to get there and gives them a reward along the way.”

Forty-five students from Jam Performing Arts will be performing at this year’s North Lakes Christmas Carols on December 10.

“As a studio, we have been performing at the North Lakes carols since they started! For some of the students, it will be their first time, and some for the last time this year,” Danica says.

“Our performance is fun, bright, lively and shows a range of genres from hip hop to jazz and some acrobatics too. Some classic Christmas favourites with a new spin.”

Head down to the North Lakes Christmas Carols on Sunday, December 10 at Kinsellas Sports Complex to watch Jam Performing Arts light up the stage.