Trundle Central School student, Scarlett Southon, recently made the trip to Wollongong to attend the annual arena spectacular of Southern Stars.
Southern Stars is an annual production where students from public school around the state come together and perform.
"It is a collective of performers that have travelled from many areas to perform their chosen art. Some of these include Dance, Drama, Choir, Orchestra and Acrobatics," Scarlett said.
Scarlett was one of 3,500 students who travelled to Woollongong to perform in an art they are passionate about in front of a total of 16,000 people over four shows.
"I was lucky enough to be selected to join drama and perform in both finales. I have been very busy practising and rehearsing the routines as we were sent a video link to teach us the dances," Scarlett said.
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"For the drama and dance, I travelled back and forth to Wollongong for three rehearsals and a show week. The rehearsals for drama were a lot of fun, I got to meet new people and learn new skills.
Skills Scarlett learnt included enhancing her body movements for a large stage, dramatically expressing her emotions through facial expressions and the ability to learn blocking and spacing in a routine in a short amount of time.
"The rehearsals for dance were a bit hectic but overall, a marvellous experience," Scarlett said.
"I met amazing and talented people who truly have a wonderful gift."
During show week Scarlett would be at WIN Stadium from 7am until 11pm, spending the morning doing rehearsals before performing.
"The show week was so exciting, I had a blast, and it was such a breathtaking experience," she said.
"The show went for two hours, and once it was our time to perform it was starting to feel real.
"The music starts playing, and my friends and I are out on the stage in our outfits, that were Taylor Swift inspired.
"Our performance piece was based on how different styles of music can come together and can be in harmony.
"It was a long couple of days but so worth it, and it was all possible because of the support of my teachers, parents, and friends."
When each show finished Scarlett stood with all of the performers in front of the crowd while confetti was falling all around her.
While being in that moment Scarlett remembers feeling very fulfilled.
"It was such an incredible experience and it was so unbelievable to see what kids can do when they are passionate about something.
"Even though I travelled six hours to get there, it was all worth it," Scarlett added.
