Sadly, our Monday nights of absolute fun and laughter, not because everybody watches you and “points and laughs” when you can’t do the “Whisk and Chasse” but because everybody can’t do it, have come to an end. I am going to miss walking into the Blake Hall and seeing all my friends, and our random advice and chatting sessions before every lesson.

Every lady not only wants to look drop-dead-gorgeous at her wedding, but to be able to dance like a pro. And the same goes for the gentlemen, you want to show you partner off and take the lead. Ballroom teaches you how to do this. You leave every Monday knowing how to dance, and with friendships.

This year VP did exceptionally well in the ballroom exams. We had 17 highly recommended and 9 honours. Everybody that participated got over 80%, well done dancers.

The Spring Ball was amazing. The theme was “ A night in Neon” and the hall looked  spectacular! We had such fun, and we had the opportunity to meet new people from other schools and make more special friendships.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr. De Wet and Mrs. Russell for spending your Monday nights with us, and to the outstanding team that teaches us how to dance well and to be  so poised: Sandy, Leslie and Hadrian.

Shannon Zamouzaridis

One Act Plays Festival
The One Act Play Festival took place on Thursday 21 May in the Blake Hall. The four plays that took part in this awesome event were: The Worst Day Of My Life (directed by Bradley Theron), Nobody Famous (directed by Masinga Rune), Escape By Moonlight (directed by Sarah Bisho, Gcobisa Mnyakama and Siwaphiwa Menze) and The Ass And The Philosophers (directed by Ziyad Rassool).
Taking part in a one act play is fun and exciting but also hard work. The directors have to be organized, dedicated, energetic and focused. Thanks to Mrs Van der Walt for all  her help and good advice, particularly to the directors.

BEST ACTOR: Stephen Armstrong
The Worst Day Of My Life

BEST ACTRESS: Bridget Penny
The Worst Day Of My Life

RUNNER-UP ACTOR: Adriaan Wildevank
The Ass And The Philosophers

RUNNER-UP ACTRESS:  Jasmin Ferreira
The Ass and the Philosophers

BEST DIRECTOR: Bradley Theron
The Worst Day Of My Life

BEST PLAY: The Worst Day Of My Life
MOST CHALLENGING PLAY:

The Ass and the Philosophers directed by Ziyad Rassool

MY AFRICAN DREAM – A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
‘My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.Nelson Mandela in ‘Long Walk to Freedom’
Nelson Mandela and his unwavering belief in the innate goodness of man has been my inspiration for this show. In a world, so often consumed by negativity, we do need to take stock every now and then and concentrate on all that is good and positive in our land. Our diversity is in fact one of our greatest strengths and should be celebrated.
Madiba, I dedicate this show to you.

Mariette van der Walt

This year’s production was a musical titled ‘My African Dream’. It was a compilation of South African songs and dances chosen to highlight the beauty of the country as well as the diversity of our cultures.
The show started with ‘Circle of Life’, which was beautifully sung by Melikhaya Xotyeni, and ended on a powerful note with the whole cast on stage with Gabby Oosthuizen singing ‘My African Dream’. In between, there were items such as the’ Ipi Ntombi’ medley, Miriam Makeba’s ‘Pata Pata’, ‘Impi’ by Johnny Clegg, ‘Homeless’ by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the much-enjoyed Pantsula Sport to name but a few. There were 21 items in all!

The teachers were also involved. Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Ross, Mr. Potgieter and Mr. Barry sang solos brilliantly, astounding us with their hidden talents! Nomnikelo Luzipo’s mother, Vuyelwa Luzipo wowed the crowd with her powerful rendition of Margaret Singana in the ‘Ipi ‘n Tombi’ medley, and Loyiso Mali, friend of the school, gave us a most convincing rendition of Lucky Dube’s songs. A few other teachers namely Mrs Deale, Mr Snodgrass and Mr Boshoff gamely joined in for David Kramer’s ‘Royal Hotel’.
It was a magnificent show, and it received great reviews.

A few of the many comments about the show received by some parents and  members of the public…
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and particularly the diversity of the show. Congratulations to your team … Our children are in good hands.   (A very happy parent)

Congratulations to everybody involved in the brilliant production ‘My African Dream’ – I have never come across a school play of this calibre … (Salome Clack)

You have managed to inspire a huge wave of optimism and appreciation for our wonderful continent, and in the lives of all who have had the privilege to see your magnificent show. Thank you for the gift of renewed joy you have so freely given to us. (William Foden –Headmaster of VP Grey)

The young people who are lucky enough to be part of your school are being taught in the best possible way about the too-often-ignored periods of our country’s history; as well as to mix together, and work together, towards a future more hopeful than some of us have dared to envisage.  (Margaret Geldenhuys)

This is what a few cast members had to say about My African Dream:
Being a member of My African Dream was a privilege and an honour for me. It was fun, and the other cast members were great! There was never a dull moment backstage. The positive energy we had backstage reflected in our performances onstage. I’ll always cherish the memories of My African Dream. Thank you, Mrs. van der Walt, for everything.  – Nomahlubi Hombile

It was an awesome opportunity and experience that I enjoyed totally. Being involved in this play has taught me so much about the African diversity and love that we often take for granted. I had a lot of fun on and off the stage. There were days when I felt like giving up, but the energetic atmosphere at rehearsals made it all worthwhile!  – Anita Nyangaresi

My experience as an African Dream cast member was awesome! I met lots of new people and had the opportunity to try new things. I gained confidence from dancing in the show and am glad that I didn’t miss this opportunity. I would do it all again if I got the chance. Thank you very much, Mrs. van der Walt.  –Debbie-Rose Petersen

This was very different to what I normally do. I met people that I can’t imagine talking to otherwise. Rehearsals were fun because of the different characters that I got to work with. My African Dream was an eye-opener to the various cultures and fights for freedom that occurred in South Africa.   –Tilden Plaatjies

It was an amazing learning experience about our nation’s beauty, and it brought people of different races and cultures.    –Siwaphiwe Menze

To be part of My African Dream was also my dream. From the moment I saw the poster I knew I had to be in it. I definitely enjoyed it! This musical made me realize how diverse and beautiful our country is. My favourite part was the finale, My African Dream, were all the cast members were on stage. It showed the different cultures and traditions of our country and how that makes our country beautiful.  –Gcobisa Mnyakama

Choosing to be in My African Dream a decision I made on the spur of the moment. I am very glad that I did because My African Dream has, without a doubt, been the highlight of my high school career. The cast brought the stage to life each moment we were on it, and had fun doing so! I absolutely loved it and wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.     – Sarah Bisho
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Ballroom, held every Monday evening, was the ‘ unmissable’ event of the week. Each Monday, the VP Dancers waited eagerly in the Blake Hall, for the music to begin, so that we could get our feet moving (and often twisted!) with the sometimes confusing, but always fun, Line dances. Next up, Badge dances, and wow, were some of them complicated! When in doubt, all we needed to do was seek help from our dear Sandy and his team of friendly instructors. Within seconds, we would be gliding away, or shaking our hips like only true Victorians can!

Events this year included the Interschool’s Dance Competition, held at Collegiate High, the annual Spring Ball, held at Westering High, and the Dance Tests. We did very well in the Interschools, and the Tests saw four Victorians receiving Honours ( over 90%) The rest also did very well in the meritous awards.

Next year. 2009, we are hosting the Spring Ball at Victoria Park. It is such a fun occasion, and is not to be missed. Here we try out all that we have practised during the year, and here that we get to meet new friends from other schools. With this in mind, I would like to encourage as many of you seniors as possible ( grades 10,11 and 12) to come and wipe away the Monday blues, by ending off you Monday with a foot-tapping bang at Ballroom! What an important life skill we have learnt, one that will stand us in good stead for the rest of our lives!

Bianca du Preez

Ballroom, which was held every Monday evening in the Blake Hall, was a fun and exciting affair this year! From line dances (like the drunken caterpillar) to the complicated moves in the waltz, we watched with bated breath while Sandy, Claire and Ma’am Leslie showed us the moves. Rock ‘n Roll, however was a firm favorite, and everyone participated eagerly and with great enthusiasm!

The functions this year included the competition (at Collegiate High School) and the Spring Ball (at Pearson High School). At the competition a total of 260 couples from a number of high schools participated, including the following Victorians:

2nd place in Latin American and 5th place in Ballroom:
Daniel Huddlesto

2nd place round Ballroom:
Hein Hilmer
Stefa van Aardt
Adam Woodford

2nd place in Latin American and 5th place in Ballroom:
Bianca de Preez

2nd round Ballroom:
Kristen Cleo Grene

Semi final for Ballroom and Latin American:
Kerryn Botha

Semi final for Ballroom and Latin American:
Brent Styles
Emma Jacobs
Lauren Snodgrass

This year was awesome and we can’t wait for next year…
If you aren’t in Ballroom Dancing, you are definitely missing out!

Bianca du Preez