Opinion: No more Stage Challenge, no more memories

Reporter Zoe Hunter (front left) performs as one of Emperor Qin's warriors in 2005 in Mount Maunganui College's story of the terracotta warriors of China. Photo / Rebecca Cawston

The decision to cancel the iconic national Stage Challenge and J Rock events could open up a whole new world to exploring dance and drama.

It is sad the event, which has been a highlight on school calendars since 1992, has come to an end but it could be looked at as a positive for performing arts in schools.

It might encourage schools to explore other areas of the arts, perhaps steer away from typical school productions based on well-known musicals and allow time to create their own staged storyline.

Don't get me wrong, I am still disappointed to hear the events have been cancelled and I think a suggestion that SmokefreeRockquest and Sheilah Winn Shakespeare could bridge the gap shows a total misunderstanding of all the disciplines involved.

But I still feel privileged to have been part of what is now history.

As a former Mount Maunganui College student, Stage Challenge holds so many memories for me.

I was once a poor village person in Gandhi, a terracotta warrior and a cheerleader in what were some of my former college's winning performances.

As a trained dancer, I even went a step further and helped to choreograph some of the dance scenes.

I remember teachers and students pouring time and effort into creating a masterpiece. There were many lunchtimes, after-school and weekend practices learning new choreography and perfecting our performance.

So I was saddened to read economic conditions had led to the axe falling on the events.

The charity relies on government and corporate sponsorships, grants, participation fees and ticket sales to cover the cost of producing the events.

So why haven't there been the ticket sales? There are thousands of students showcasing their talent on stages nationwide, and every girl and boy would no doubt invite at least one member of their family to watch them.

Surely at least one ticket sale for every participant would be enough of an audience to help cover costs, or at least keep the iconic event running?