So Dance Junee raises the roof with spectacular showcase

SO DANCE Junee has capped off one of its most difficult years with a triumphant concert at the Athenium Theatre.

The local dance studio served up two polished performances on Saturday, November 15, drawing large crowds and demonstrating the studio’s remarkable resilience.

Themed around The Greatest Showman and the idea of “rising from the ashes,” this year’s annual production marked an especially poignant milestone for the studio, which lost its long-time Lisgar Street home to a devastating fire in February.

Yet on Saturday, under sweeping stage drapes and dramatic lighting, there was no sign of setback—only strength.

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Across both morning and afternoon shows, dancers of all ages presented a joyful, polished and often breathtaking mix of routines, offering a wide-ranging showcase of the studio’s talent and teamwork.

Families responded with cheers and applause, moved not only by the calibre of performance but by the journey that led the studio to this moment.

By the end of the day, students left exhausted, proud and glowing from their time in the spotlight.

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

A CELEBRATION 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING

This year’s showcase also coincided with a major personal milestone for So Dance owner and principal Shannon Oke, who celebrates ten years of running the studio.

Ms Oke described 2025 as one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of her career—made possible through the unwavering support of her dancers, their families and the wider Junee community.

“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,” she said.

“We thank the Junee community for all of their support—particularly this year. We also thank the Junee Show Trust and Junee Shire Council for helping us to keep dancing.”

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

FROM DEVASTATION TO DETERMINATION

Saturday’s production carried added significance as the studio continues its recovery from the February fire that destroyed its Lisgar Street premises.

The blaze, which spread to neighbouring business Brick Lane Sewing, triggered Junee’s largest emergency response in four years left two well-loved small businesses without a home.

In the weeks and months that followed, the community rallied, raising thousands of dollars to support the owners in rebuilding.

© The Junee Bulletin

With assistance from Junee Shire Council and the Junee Show Society, So Dance relocated operations to the Athenium Theatre and Belling Hall at the Junee Showground.

Ms Oke later invested funds raised for the studio into a major upgrade of Belling Hall, transforming it into a lasting community asset.

Improvements included the installation of a new durable floor, roof insulation, new doors, two split-system air conditioners and a full interior repaint.

HONOURING PASSION, GROWTH & TEAMWORK

The end-of-year concert concluded with the studio’s annual awards presentation, recognising dancers who demonstrated dedication, improvement and a strong commitment to studio values throughout the year.

The Most Outstanding Dancer Awards for Passion, Acceptance, Kindness and Teamwork were awarded to Miss Tess Drew (Junior) and Miss Lilly McDermott (Senior).

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Photo: Struan Timms Photography

Ms Oke also acknowledged So Dance’s teaching staff—Megan Callow, Emily Bramich, Jacqui Timms, Taylah Hacket and Libby Collins—alongside the volunteers who supported backstage operations and front-of-house coordination.

A TRIUMPH FOR JUNEE’S DANCE COMMUNITY

This year’s concert stands as a defining moment in So Dance Junee’s recovery: an event that not only showcased technical and artistic excellence, but also reflected the collective determination that carried the studio through an extraordinary year.

As the final curtain fell on Saturday, the applause from families, friends and supporters signalled more than appreciation for a performance—it affirmed a community that refused to let adversity still the rhythm of dance in Junee.

Photo: Struan Timms Photography