Rockhampton audiences will be treated to a premiere dance work, Bag ‘O' Sweets, presented by Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) students and choreographed by visiting industry professional, Royal Academy of Dance tutor Ruth Lane.

This premiere work takes the audience on a journey into the world of Act II of Marius Petipa's Nutcracker but with a modern twist. 

Dance students in rehearsal with Ruth Lane

Along with this work, audiences are invited to a showcase of studio dance work undertaken by Advanced Level students in the performing arts, which will feature vocal work alongside various styles of dance including a rhythmic tap sequence.

Numerous special guest performers are being welcomed, with notable performances presented by multiple state and national dancesport champions Justin Sharrock and Amy Westbrook* and Emerald-based dance students Madeline Thomasson and Lucy Reid.

BPA coordinator Dr Emma Killion said "these are exciting partnerships and welcome extensions to the well known performance initiative that is the Studio Sessions series presented by the Bachelor of Performing Arts program".

These works will be presented at CQUniversity Rockhampton's Bencke Studio (Building 4) from 7.30pm on Friday, May 29. Seats are limited and tickets are available at the door before 7.30pm at a cost of $5.

Leaping into the production

"This public presentation is an exciting opportunity for these students as it not only represents the culmination of 12 weeks of work but also showcases works prepared and created especially for this company of performers by leading performing arts industry professionals," Dr Killion said.

"These students have worked within intensive workshop situations, giving them the opportunity of being involved in the creation of the exciting dance piece that is Bag ‘O' Sweets.  Ms Lane has developed an exciting variation on Petipa's original ballet by marrying techno music with contemporary, classical, hip-hop and national dance styles."

Dr Killion said the Industry Mentor involvement within the Bachelor of Performing Arts is a crucial way to ensure students obtain the latest insights, and also networks, within the entertainment and dance industry.

"Studio Sessions '09 provides the audience with an opportunity to share the experience of seeing the rising stars of the dance world," she said.

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* Justin Sharrock and Amy Westbrook - 2007 Australian Adult Level 4 Latin Champions; 2008 & 2009 QLD Adult Open Ten Dance Champions; 2009 QLD Adult Open Latin Champions; 2009 NSW Adult Open Finalists, Latin and Standard; Currently ranked 12th in the Australian Open Latin American; Highest placed QLD couple in Australia.

Rehearsals for the production 
Time for a smile during rehearsals