Photos by Straun Timms Photography.
So Dance Junee held its highly anticipated Annual Concert on Saturday, delivering two fantastic performances—matinee and afternoon—that delighted audiences and showcased the extraordinary resilience of the studio and its dancers.
This year’s concert embraced the themes of The Greatest Showman and “rising from the ashes”—a fitting tribute to the studio’s journey after its beloved premises were destroyed by fire earlier this year, Shannon Oke celebrating 10 years of running her own So Dance studio.
Dancers of all ages took to the stage with passion and professionalism, leaving families and friends—many of whom travelled from far—feeling thoroughly entertained and immensely proud. Children returned home full of pride and exhausted after an unforgettable day of performing.
To conclude the evening, the annual awards presentation recognised dedication, growth and spirit throughout the year. The studio’s most prestigious honours, the Most Outstanding Dancer Awards for Passion, Acceptance, Kindness and Teamwork, were proudly awarded to Miss Tess Drew (Junior) and Miss Lilly McDermott (Senior).
Shannon also acknowledged the exceptional commitment shown by the entire So Dance community, expressing gratitude to dancers, families, and friends for their unwavering support. She offered special thanks to the teaching team—Megan Callow, Emily Bramich, Jacqui Timms, Taylah Hacket and Libby Collins—who teach alongside her.
Shannon expressed her deep gratitude for their dedication in shaping So Dance’s young performers and helping build such a strong and lasting legacy for the studio.
Appreciation was also extended to the hard working parent helpers backstage, Deb Boyton and Fiona Collins for front-of-house coordination, and Cam and his crew for keeping the refreshments flowing.
“I’m very proud of how far the studio has come in 10 years and even more proud of the resilience and determination of our students after this year,” Shannon said.
“We thank the Junee community for all of their support—particularly this year. We also thank the Junee Show Trust and the Junee Shire Council for their support and for helping us to keep dancing.”
The Annual Concert stands as a testament not only to the talent and dedication of the So Dance Junee community, but also to its unwavering spirit—proof that from challenge can come something truly spectacular.
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