So much so, that the gifted youngsters took to the stage at the NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival 2018 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale, earlier this month.

The Sydney-based event is a week-long extravaganza of dance performances, recognising the talents of more than 1400 students from kindergarten through to Year 12, as well as their creatively-skilled teachers.

And, in the middle of it was Muswellbrook Public School.

“Both our junior and senior groups performed at the Hunter Schools Dance Festival, in Newcastle, in July,” teacher/choreographer Karen Payne said.

“The older kids (Years 5 and 6) then auditioned for the state edition – and were successful.

“We were asked to perform for two evening shows during the week, including the Friday night finale.

“This required an overnight stay in Sydney for the group, which was a real pat on the back for their efforts.

“Our routine was entitled In The Mood For A Melody, so we used an instrumental version of Billy Joel’s Piano Man.

“It’s certainly a feather in the cap of the kids – and a great reward.

“They began training at the start of the year.

“There were many, many hours involved; from practising a couple of times a week as well as weekends.

“We’d like to thank all of the parents for their support.”

Mrs Payne and fellow teacher/choreographer Cindy Hugo kicked off the dance program at Muswellbrook Public School in 1996.

“We’ve taught a combination of grades over the years, had plenty of fun and developed a wonderful rapport with the pupils involved,” she said.

“The program has been a very exciting and successful experience for everyone.

“It’s always terrific to see our groups develop and benefit from the performance opportunities that this initiative offers.”

The Muswellbrook Public School Senior Dance Group featured Cooper Edwards, Audrey Sinclair, Claudia Murray, Chloe Lanyon, Zalee Maher, Mackenzie Day, Hayley Passmore, Macey Cox, Lillian Strong, Katie Fullerton, Kady Sandel-Hay, Alivia Cullen, Chloe Fullerton, Sidney Murray, Sarah Wear, Ashlee Curnuck, Jade Taylor, Hannah Stone and Leana Eddy.