Georgia all geared up for Stage Challenge

Georgia Wilson leads her Kuranui Stage Challenge team during rehearsals. PHOTO/CATHERINE ROSSITER-STEAD

Kuranui College dance student Georgia Wilson appears calm and collected when quizzed about the school's entry into the Wellington leg of Stage Challenge 2016, which is only three months away.

"We're hoping to send a message to the audience and then leave them completely stunned at the end of the performance," she said.

The Year 13 student is not only responsible for the choreography, but also costume, make-up and lighting design for the stage challenge production, with the various elements making up 33 credits of her NCEA Level 3 dance qualification.

She oversees 60 performers who make up two sections including funk and hip-hop, and lyrical, which is essentially free ballet with movements that flow a lot more than classical ballet.

Having started dancing at 4, Georgia has developed a strong passion for jazz and hip-hop and today studies with Sharon Stevens-Cottle at the Jazz, Dance and Drama Centre in Masterton.

"Georgia is so passionate that the students want to follow her and do well for her," head of Kuranui arts Juanita McLellan said.

"The actual standard of dance will be much higher than previous years because Georgia has a massive background in hip-hop and dance."

A support crew made up of year 12 students Charlotte Penman, Nicky-Marie Campbell, Jessica Buckham, Amber Spicer and Keziah Stonnell are helping Georgia to organise the performers and helpers.

Each performer has to raise $80 to help pay for the entry fee, transport to Wellington, flyers and the team T-shirt.

The college has chosen to enter Stage Challenge Raw which has no set.

"We're focusing on really good choreography and really awesome lighting and costumes. The students will also be in charge of the lighting," Georgia said.

"I'm looking for everyone to have fun and for me to be proud of something I've created with this amazing bunch of people."