UPDATE: Annabelle Arkit, a talented Year 6 student from Armidale City Public School, captivated audiences as a featured performer at the 2025 Schools Spectacular, held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on November 28-29, 2025. This event marks a significant moment for Annabelle, who recently achieved runner-up World Champion status for her acrobatics routine and placed 4th in her Jazz routine at the Dance World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.
Annabelle expressed her excitement, stating, “School Spec was an absolutely incredible week and an amazing experience.” She relished the opportunity to connect with fellow dancers from across New South Wales, showcasing her dedication to the art of dance.
As part of the world’s largest amateur variety show, the Schools Spectacular featured 5,500 students from nearly 400 schools, traveling up to 800 kilometers to perform in front of a live audience and viewers at home. Annabelle described the atmosphere at the arena as exhilarating, acknowledging the nerves but emphasizing the performance’s joy over competition.
“Although there was some pressure, I realized it’s not so much a competition as much as a performance where I can just go out and have fun and enjoy it with my friends,” she shared. Her performance, set to the iconic Beatles song “Yesterday,” was a blend of contemporary and lyrical dance, which she identifies as one of her favorite styles.
Beyond her impressive performances, Annabelle showcases her passion for dance through community service, running a dance group called Revelations Dance for girls who cannot afford to participate in dance classes. “We have some girls who are in foster care, and girls from lots of different schools in Armidale,” she explained, highlighting her commitment to making dance accessible to all.
Looking ahead, Annabelle is eager to return to the Schools Spectacular in the coming year as she transitions into high school. “I’m aware there is a dance group at the high school which I’d love to be involved with,” she stated. With aspirations that include Broadway and the Australian Ballet, Annabelle remains focused on her growth as a dancer.
In her heartfelt gratitude, she thanked her mother for her unwavering support and recognized the role of her school, especially Ms. Nay, in her journey. Annabelle’s story not only illustrates her incredible talent but also her dedication to uplifting others through dance.
As Schools Spectacular 2025 wraps up, Annabelle Arkit stands out as a rising star, inspiring her peers and the community alike with her performances and philanthropic efforts. Stay tuned for more updates on her journey and the impact she continues to make in the world of dance.
