March in Arts@DSG: A Month of Creative Excellence and Boundless Talent
The late American composer Leonard Bernstein once remarked: “Art really does have the power to change people, and thus, our future. People are changed by art: enriched, ennobled, encouraged. They then act in a way that may affect the course of events.” As we reflect on the past month within the Arts@DSG department, these words resonate deeply. It is impossible not to be moved by the sheer vibrancy and dedication of our students. Amidst an incredibly demanding term where the pressures of rigorous academics and a busy sports schedule often take centre stage, our girls continue to immerse themselves in the arts and culture. They do so because they recognise the profound balance it brings to their lives, understanding the value of these creative endeavours as an essential means of expression and personal growth.
Perhaps the most notable highlight of the month was the spectacular performance of our Grade 10 Public Speaking team at the Van Huyssteens Oratorical Festival. In an environment where they competed against many prestigious Afrikaans-medium schools, our girls achieved an outstanding first place.
We extend our heartiest congratulations to the English Department and the students involved. Particular mention must be made of the unprepared speech segment - a daunting task that requires a quick wit, an expansive vocabulary, and the intricate skill of structuring a logical, moving argument off the cuff. Their success here is a testament to their intellectual agility and poise.
Our Debating teams have also been exceptionally active this month in the Atheneum League. In a competitive field of talented thinkers, our DSG teams placed 4th out of 6. This is a commendable result that reflects the sharp analytical skills and oratorical discipline our girls are cultivating.
Looking at Drama, we achieved exceptional success at PhyzzFest. Our Physical Theatre team attained two gold awards in a competition known for its incredibly high standards, featuring the top Drama departments in the region.
Physical Theatre is a demanding and multifaceted discipline. It is a beautiful expression of narrative, emotion, and characterisation that relies entirely on the synergy of movement and music. Our girls truly shine in this arena because they work incredibly hard toward perfection on stage, proving that the body can tell a story just as powerfully as the spoken word.
As we move into May and June, our students are currently preparing their entries for the Pretoria Eisteddfod. We wish the best of luck to all those who are trepidatious enough to step onto that stage and display their talents in front of an adjudicator. It takes great courage to pursue artistic excellence.
Furthermore, preparations for our very own STARSFEST are well underway. Hosted by St Mary’s DSG in partnership with Capital Art Fair Tshwane, STARSFEST is a vibrant celebration of Performing, Oratory, Culinary, and Visual Arts. It is designed to be a platform where young identity and creativity are recognised, celebrated, and inspired. We have already seen an overwhelming number of entries from schools across Gauteng, which stresses our reach beyond our school walls and ensures our girls are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives and talents.
Finally, our unique weekly Culture Hour has been a resounding success this term. These sessions have proven to be constructive, productive, and endlessly interesting. A special mention goes to the Make-Up activity, which is currently yielding a cohort of advanced artists who will be providing the creative transformation for our upcoming production.
Speaking of productions, rehearsals for The Bloom are in full swing. This original play features a student cast and a live musician contingent of approximately 70 DSG girls. They are currently rehearsing tirelessly to bring a level of excellence to the stage that we have come to expect at DSG.
We cannot wait to share this wonderful production with you. As the legendary Stella Adler said, “Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.”
At DSG, we are proud to see that the creative spirit of our girls is very much alive and well. Arts@DSG is thriving!
