Instead of a packed-out Melbourne arena, filming much closer to home with parents and teachers doubling as production crew.
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Wodonga students performing in the 2020 Victorian State Schools Spectacular experienced something quite unlike previous years but all appreciated how the show could still go on.
This year's 25th anniversary performance - the compilation of 508 Zoom sessions to record the principals and 1500 pre-recorded videos - will be broadcast on Channel 7 on Saturday, December 5, at 7pm and available for catch-up viewing for 30 days afterwards.
Wodonga's Abbey Copeland, one of the principal dancers, and 16 Melrose Primary School students who joined the mass dancing will be particularly keen to see the results.
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But the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to group rehearsals and for several months participants did not know what would happen with the government school showcase.
In the end the principal performers received equipment kits that included a green screen and camera to set up for filming during lockdown.
"While I was performing the dances, the state school directors were on a Zoom call watching me," Abbey said.
"They allocated 40 minutes for each routine, so they could get a couple of takes and different camera angles.
"It's not the same atmosphere compared to dancing in front of a crowd, but overall it was a really good day.
"It was just sad that I couldn't share it with the other girls, especially because it was my last time.
"We had been working so long on the routines, I'm glad that we were able to do something and it didn't go to waste."
Melrose Primary School teacher Andrew Patton said the year 5 and 6 students taking part had the option to come to school for outdoor filming or send their videos in remotely.
"Recording day was busy," he said.
"It started with a Wodonga-wide power outage, which caused a little bit of stress, however we made sure the speaker and camera had enough battery power.
"We understand that dancing in front of a camera can be a challenge; students stepped outside their comfort zone and put their best foot forward."
Melrose Primary School has participated in the mass dance for five years, with the children proud to join the 25th anniversary show.
"As a regional school, it is such an important opportunity for students to experience and participate in the performing arts and be connected to such a significant event," Mr Patton said.
