For three Albury students, performing to a crowd of thousands at the 2019 School Spectacular is not just a dream come true - it's also a chance to share their culture and history.
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Murray High School's Rachel Mwenebyake, 17, Ester Musemu, 16, and Gracia Masudi, 17, were chosen to be part of the Spectacular's first ever African Dance Ensemble, which is made up of between 15 and 20 dancers from across the state.
Ester, who is currently in year 10 at Murray High, said she's been dancing for as long as she remembers.
"Dancing is the one thing I've been dreaming of," she said.
"Performing on a big stage like the one in Sydney is a dream come true.
"I've never had the chance to perform on a big stage, but now I am and it's so exciting."
All three girls were born in Congo, with Ester and Gracia growing up in Kenya before settling in Australia three and four years ago respectively.
Rachel grew up in Tanzania and has been living in Australia for about a year.
Ester, who wants to be a professional dancer or dance teacher, said moving to Australia was a big change but dancing helped her stay connected to her past and culture.
"Dance keeps us African it helps keep our traditions," she said.
The trio will perform a mix of Afrobeats and traditional dancing from various parts of Africa during the performance.
Teacher Kerrie O'Connell said all three girls come from a refugee background and the school had received financial support from the NSW Schools Spectacular and STARTTS - the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors.
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"It's a fantastic opportunity," Mrs O'Connell said.
"Being from a regional area... without their support, we wouldn't have been able to take the girls there because of financial constraints."
Last Monday and Tuesday, Ester, Gracia and Rachel attended a full show rehearsal at Sydney's Olympic Park.
"The first time we did the practice it was via the internet and it was really really hard, but when we went to Sydney it was so amazing, it was really easy for us and we loved it," Gracia said.
As well as being part of the African Dance Ensemble, the trio will also perform in a number from The Lion King and in the finale of the November 22 and 23 shows.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
