For one group of Auckland students, their classroom was transformed into something far bigger - a stage, a rehearsal room, and for some, a glimpse of the future.
At Takapuna Grammar School on the North Shore, students learned choreography from the team behind the global hit musical & Juliet, which opens in Auckland next month before heading to Wellington and Christchurch.
The workshop, led by the show’s choreographer Destiny Anderson and members of the cast, gave students just 45 minutes to pick up moves from the production’s high-energy finale.
But the results were immediate.
“They just have such a good vibe and I learnt that just having fun and like even if you mess up, it doesn't matter,” one student said.
“Because you're just having fun with all the people around you.”
The musical itself has already found success on London’s West End and on Broadway, flipping the script on Shakespeare’s classic by imagining what might happen if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Romeo and Juliet.
Now, it’s arriving in New Zealand for the first time with a full Kiwi cast and crew.
For the students watching and dancing, it was a once in a life time opportunity to kickstart their dreams.
“It was really cool to do dances from a professional show taught by the actual cast,” one said.
“I found that really fun and I liked the difficulty and how we learned it really fast.”
Another said the experience offered a insight into the industry.
“I assume that's how it is in the industry. So it's really good to get a feel of that definitely.”
For some, it was also about challenging expectations - particularly for boys in dance.
“Even if you stick out, that's a good thing… don’t think about, oh, it's embarrassing… no one cares… it's just lots of fun.”
Choreographer Destiny Anderson said the energy in the room exceeded expectations.
"The fact that the kids were so engaged from the get-go was pretty awesome,” she said.
“We had a plan for what we were going to teach them, we ended up teaching way more.”
Watching from the sidelines, teachers said moments like that could be transformative.
“They were really focused and I could see the inspiration in the room,” Takapuna Grammar dance teacher Alana Grant said.
“For them to know that looking at local professionals that they can make it as well…”
That message was reinforced by one of the & Juliet ensemble leading the session – former student Josh Morris, who once sat in the same classrooms.
“I haven't been here in like seven years… it’s really cool to see… and inspire the next generation.”
Takapuna Grammar to take the stage
While & Juliet prepares to take over Auckland’s Civic Theatre from April 9, Takapuna Grammar students will also do the same for their own production Legally Blonde next month.
For many students 1News spoke to, the workshop offered more than just a fun afternoon - it was a window into what could come next.
“Definitely… my dream,” one student said.
“I’m planning on studying in university and going into the industry… getting this experience is really valuable to planning out my future.”
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