Organiser, and former student, Olivia Cooney, 21, said the couples had been practicing a variety of dances and were all looking forward to the event.
‘‘We have 20 couples who will be presented to Benalla Mayor Scott Upston and P-12 executive principal Tony Clark,’’ Ms Cooney said.
‘‘But with all the guests and teachers we are expecting more than 360 people to attend.’’
Ms Cooney’s idea for the dance was to incorporate traditional elements in a modern environment.
‘‘One thing I really wanted to do was to bring the public viewing back, which was always the tradition,’’ Ms Cooney said. ‘‘That is being held at the Town Hall in Nunn St from 6pm to 6.30pm. At the public viewing the couples will be performing two dances.
‘‘They will also have the opportunity to mingle with the public and any family members who didn’t get a ticket to the actual ball.’’
From there the couples will be chauffeur-driven by limousine to the Benalla P-12 Stadium at the Faithfull St Campus.
Benalla P-12 College student Rhianna London said she had enjoyed rehearsals and was happy the boys seemed to be enjoying learning the dances as much as the girls.
‘‘The rehearsals have been going good,’’ Ms London said.
‘‘We’ve had to learn six different dances and I think I speak for all of us when I say none of us have done these dances before.
‘‘Hopefully by Saturday we should have them all perfected.’’
Students have been learning the different dances under the tutelage of local instructors Maureen Turner and Gail Cook.
‘‘They are really good — and it helps that Maureen is actually my nan,’’ Ms London said.
‘‘So if I’ve needed any extra help I’ve been able to go straight to her. And Gail’s such a good teacher as well, she really knows who to control the room.’’
Once the limos pull up at this alcohol-free event the couples will be separated from the crowd as they go through last-minute preparations.
Year 10 students will be acting as the waiting staff throughout the night — offering them the chance to take part, and see what might be in store for them next year.
‘‘After their big entrance they will go onto the first dance,’’ Ms Cooney said.
‘‘They will perform a variety of dances including a ‘Special Persons Dance’.
‘‘This is usually a father-daughter or mother-son dance, but we wanted to make it more inclusive, so it can be with anyone special.
‘‘So some are dancing with their aunts or cousins for example.’’
●The Ensign will be at the public viewing and dance to take some photographs of the event. So keep an eye out on www.benallaensign.com.au or in next week’s paper for those.
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