Twenty children from Woodford Primary School and a combined 30 kids from Nullawarre and District, Cudgee and Panmure primary schools will join nearly 3000 others from around Victoria at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena today for the annual State Schools Spectacular.

Woodford’s music co-ordinator Jenny Dowie said the pupils had worked hard to learn their dance moves.

“It was extremely popular this year,” Ms Dowie said.

“We had a lot of kids apply and we had to draw the names out of a hat. We’ve had weekly rehearsal sessions and four regional rehearsals with the State Schools Spectacular team choreographer in Camperdown.” Children from the four Warrnambool district schools will be involved in the mass dance section during two performances in the afternoon and evening.

Pupils travelled to Melbourne by train on Thursday morning and will spend two full days in dress rehearsals before the shows.

Scores of family members will be part of the 10,000-strong audience.

Mrs Dowie said the school planned to take part in the spectacular every two years.

Nullawarre and District Primary School principal Kane Horwill said the event was a great opportunity for regional kids.

He said teachers Sarah Cameron, Merran Moir and Deanna Bourke had been working with the children for months in preparation. 

“They are so excited. They’ve said to me several times that they get goosebumps listening to the rehearsals and seeing how proud the kids are of themselves,” Mr Horwill said.