So You Think You Can Dance alum shows Gong some new moves
BY EMMA SHAW

Dance students involved in this year’s Southern Stars production are being put through their paces by a top industry professional this week.

Former So You Think You Can Dance finalist Marko Panzic, who now works as a performer and choreographer, is spending the week working with students on pieces for the show.

“They’re contemporary, lyrical dance pieces,” Panzic said.

“It’s very intense, lots of jumping, lots of physicality, it’s energetic and crazy.

“There are lots of new movements for the students and I’m trying to give them the challenge of something they haven’t done before, so when they walk away they’ve learnt something new about dance.”

Panzic said the students were living up to his professional standards.

“They’re fantastic,” he said. They’re open to challenges and a very talented bunch. Their dedication and passion for dance is overwhelming so it’s been incredible to work with them.”

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts student Teagan McKeen, 17, said all the dancers were gaining a lot from the experience.

“It’s the first time we’ve worked with someone this prestigious so it’s really exciting,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn a different style.”

Teagan said they were working on a futuristic dance to the track Come With Us, by the Chemical Brothers, as well as a piece called Big Day Out.

“That’s symbolic of the music festival,” she said.

The Southern Stars show Just For The Fun Of It will take place at WIN Entertainment Centre on September 4-5.