Dancers from the Jan Pianta School of Dance (JPSD) graced the stage with exceptional technical skill and performance flair at the 9th annual East Gippsland Performing Arts Eisteddfod (EGPAE), held at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub from June 18–21.
A 12-member squad represented the school across solos, duos, a trio, and a junior classical ballet troupe, earning high praise from adjudicator Eilannin Harris-Black across multiple age brackets and genres.
Elizabeth Gray led the open sections with a first place win in the 16 years and over demi
character for her entertaining portrayal of Mary Poppins, while also taking second place in classical ballet and third place in jazz, all choreographed by Jan Pianta.
In the 12 years and under 14 open divisions, Charli McInnes delivered a standout run, claiming first place in classical ballet, second place in contemporary, third place in lyrical, and third place for her ‘Tour de France’ demi character solo, choreographed by Jan Pianta. She also secured second place in jazz, choreographed by Shaun Carr.
Indi Rijs added to the team’s success in the 12 years and under 14 category, taking home second place for a dynamic hip hop solo, choreographed by Shaun Carr.
Iris Miller impressed in the 14 years and under 16 divisions, earning second place for her
charming ‘Cinderella’ demi character solo and third place for contemporary, choreographed by Jan Pianta.
In the 10 years and under 12 section, Ella McInnes earned first place for her ‘Cave Girl’ demi character solo, second place in both lyrical and jazz, and third place in classical ballet, choreographed by Jan Pianta.
Olivia McInnes enjoyed a sweep across five solos, taking first place in classical ballet, lyrical and jazz, along with second place in tap, choreographed by Jan Pianta, and second place in hip hop, choreographed by Shaun Carr.
In the seven years and under section, Heidi Kelly secured second place in her debut
classical ballet solo, earning special praise from the adjudicator for displaying advanced classical technique for her age, choreographed by Jan Pianta.
JPSD’s group entries also made their mark. Sister duo Ella (11) and Olivia McInnes (9) earned a highly commended (HM) in the 10 years and under 15 Jazz section, choreographed by Jan Pianta. In the 15 years and over section, Charli McInnes, Iris Miller and Indi Rijs claimed second place in Jazz, choreographed by Shaun Carr.
The school’s Junior Classical Ballet Troupe — featuring many dancers well under the age limit — took home HM in the 12 years and under troupe section, choreographed by Jan Pianta.
The four-day event concluded on Sunday, June 21, with three JPSD students earning major eisteddfod special awards:
– Elizabeth Gray: 16 years and over encouragement award
– Charli McInnes (14): best costume award (senior)
– Heidi Kelly: Seven years and under encouragement award
Principal Jan Pianta congratulated all 12 participating dancers, noting that the strong collection of awards is a testament to the school’s versatility, dedication, and ongoing hard work.
RESULTS
– Elizabeth Gray: First demi character, second classical, third jazz, 16 years and over encouragement award
– Charli McInnes: First classical, second contemporary, second jazz, third lyrical, third demi character, senior best costume award
– Olivia McInnes: First classical, first lyrical, first jazz, second tap, second hip hop
– Ella McInnes: First demi character, second
lyrical, second jazz, third classical
– Iris Miller: Second demi character, third contemporary
– Indi Rijs: Second hip hop
– Heidi Kelly: Second classical, seven years and under encouragement award
– Ella and Olivia McInnes: HM jazz duo (10 years and under 12)
– Charli McInnes, Iris Miller and Indi Rijs: Second jazz trio (15 years and over)
– JPSD junior troupe: HM classical ballet (12 years and under)
