Glee for Mentone girls at national championships

Mentone Girls’ Grammar has overcome training restrictions and long odds to win a major title in performance sports events.

Members of the Mentone Girls' Grammar sports aerobics squad.

They trained wherever they could — in their bedrooms, the loungeroom, the back deck, the backyard or the local park.

Their competition routines were done remotely too.

But in a virtual environment, Mentone Girls’ Grammar was crowned the Australian secondary school of the year in the TFT Schoolaerobics, Dancestar and Glee disciplines.

COVID-19 prompted the competitions to shift to an online environment.

Despite the challenges of a squad training in isolation, Mentone Girls’ Grammar continued to practice before and after school hours over zoom, coached by Jess Hayes.

The award was judged on overall points in events, judges’ feedback and an overall “wow factor’’.

Mentone Girls’ Grammar was unable to enter teams, but between them their soloists did well enough to take first place.

Their routines were recorded at home.

“They had to perform a quality routine and submit it via video for judging,’’ Hayes said.

“There was a regional competition, then the state competition and then the national Auswide spring challenge, where they competed virtually against students from all over Australia.

“The other states could submit teams but we couldn’t. So for us to be awarded secondary school of the year was such a big deal.

“Other schools from other states could enter teams, solo and duo events to put towards their title, and they could do it on stage or in a studio setting.

“We could only enter solo because of COVID restrictions but they accumulated so many points we were judged school of the year with overall highest points and judges’ choice.’’

The school called it an “unbelievable achievement’’ by Hayes, head of sport Libby Lewin, supporting coaches and the squad team members from Year 6–12.

When Hayes arrived at Mentone Girls’ Grammar in June 2001, she coached one dance team.

It grew to three the following year.

Last year was its most successful, winning 40 medals at the nationals.

This year MGG had 20 teams, 10 duos and 40 soloists ready to compete.

The first competition of the season in March turned into a virtual forum and ended up being the only opportunity the teams had to compete together.

“The passion and enthusiasm of the squad and their ability to adapt to the virtual forum showed their resilience and creativity,’’ Lewin said.

“Being named Australian Secondary School of 2020 is a huge honour and a well-deserved credit to our coaches and athletes.’’

In addition to the award, Mentone Girls’ Grammar student Anastasia Bearsley was named vocalist of the spring series.

Mentone Girls’ Secondary College placed second in the Australian award, waving the bayside flag proudly too.