The power of dance and hard work

The power of dance and hard work

Most performers start with a small role in their first professional musical – Omar Abiad is doing it differently. The BGS Year 7 student has been chosen to star as Billy in the 10th anniversary Australian tour of 'Billy Elliot the Musical'.

Omar will share the lead role with three other boys, performing in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, before finishing in Brisbane in September 2020. The famous musical has been seen by 12 million people worldwide and received 85 awards internationally.

“It means the world to me that I have successfully been cast in one of the most famous musicals,” Omar said. “ Being in 'Billy Elliot The Musical' is such an honour and an amazing experience. Everyone involved is so supportive and it feels like a family.”

“This is my first ever professional musical, although I have performed in many concerts and dance eisteddfods for my dance school as well as many local musicals and of course attended drama classes at BGS.”

Omar’s parents were thrilled by their son’s achievement. “The Billy Elliot story is so close to Omar’s heart about a boy trying to express himself,” Dr Gus Abiad said. “He has worked so hard on his dancing and singing and to see him rewarded is just awesome.”

“He just loves performing and the energy he brings to the stage is so captivating to the point where you feel automatically drawn to him. I believe his greatest attribute is being able to listen to his teachers and mentors.”

Dr Abiad said dance had played a significant role in Omar’s life. “What started as something to do to improve his self-confidence, dance has now become an extension of himself. It’s become a vehicle for him to communicate, express himself and to transport him to a place of being free.”

“As parents we always want the best for our children and Omar has certainly made us proud. More importantly, he has put in countless hours of practice with his teachers and mentors.”

Omar has taken extended leave from BGS for the national tour and will continue his education through a travelling teacher. “Education is extremely important at 'Billy Elliot The Musical',” he said. “We have a wonderful teacher that tours with us around Australia and we have tutoring as part of our weekly schedule.”

The next year will prove busy for the Abiad family. Omar will be accompanied on tour by his mother Nadine, while his eight-year-old brother stays in Brisbane with their dad.

Looking to the future, Omar is keen for education and performing to remain the priorities in his life. “I wish to continue being a professional performer and entertaining people,” he said. “I still want to study hard and get an education and hopefully someday I can be both a professional performer and a doctor.”

Omar’s time at BGS so far has been brief, but Dr Abiad said the School motto had already had an impact. “Nil sine labore, nothing without work, is so appropriate here,” he said.

“To never lose faith. It’s okay to dream big. It’s okay to go through rejection and disappointment. The lesson here is that talent can only take you so far and nothing can replace sheer hard work and dogged determination.”

See Omar in 'Billy Elliot The Musical' in Brisbane at the Lyric Theatre at QPAC from July 2020.