HANDSTANDS, back-flips and dancing are not what Bathurst High students usually see at their assembly, but that’s what they got yesterday from Emmanuel Rodriguez.
Emmanuel, from Orange, is a member of the dance group Justice Crew, which won the 2010 Australia’s Got Talent competition.
The dancer – and now singer – has performed with the likes of Stan Walker and Jessica Mauboy and danced with Flo Rida, and he will be performing with his crew this Saturday back in his home town.
After shooting to fame, Emmanuel and his dance crew have been living their dream, dancing,
recording and performing.
It was not always so glamorous for the group of seven as they struggled to get by, but they were not going to be swayed.
“It is about determination. We had a goal and a dream and we just kept chasing it,” he said.
“We were passionate and just had to keep going for it.”
It was a message Emmanuel reinforced as he spoke to the students, whose undivided attention he easily won.
“Surround yourself with positive people, people that inspire and encourage you, and if you have a dream, go for it,” he said.
“Your teachers are here to help and, although it may not seem like it, they have your best intentions at heart.
“Today, set a goal of listening or at least trying to listen to what they are saying.”