TWO years ago, Moree Secondary College student Amber Muller had never heard of Pulse Alive – until MSC arts co-ordination officer, Leigh Carroll, encouraged her to perform at Pulse Moree.

Pulse Alive is a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection and opportunity in the performing arts, and showcases thousands of singers, dancers, actors and musicians from New South Wales public schools.

The high-energy event was held last week over three big days at Sydney Olympic Park’s Ken Rosewell Arena, with more than 400 schools and 8300 students taking part.

Now in its fifth year, Pulse Alive showcases the talents of Kindergarten to Year 12 public school students from across New South Wales.

For Amber Muller, the experience has been life-changing.

“Opening night was incredible, and seemed to be over before we even started,” Amber said.

“The second night was just as incredible. On finale night, the audience was so hyped, it made it even more incredible and magical.

“In my final pose for the night, I stood on Ken Rosewall Arena floor and looked around to take in the moment.

“I was overwhelmed with emotions, as this was my final time performing in the Pulse Alive Dance Company.

“The memories will last forever, and Pulse will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.

MSC arts co-ordination officer, Leigh Carroll, said Amber has made incredible inroads over the past two years.

“I’m enormously proud of Amber,” Mr Carroll said.

“She continues to take every opportunity to grow and learn as a dancer. As a member of the principal dance cast, Amber has worked with an outstanding team of choreographers and musicians over the past months, travelling to Sydney for her audition and rehearsals.

“She will go on to tour with Pulse Alive, travelling to Sunraysia in late April and also feature in Pulse Moree once again this year,” he said.

Preparations for Pulse Moree begin Tuesday, May 12. There will be two performances at the MSC multi-purpose centre on Thursday, May 14, with tickets going on sale in the coming weeks.

Amber, now in Year 12, was selected as one of 60 principal dancers from more than 200 applicants – her second year performing at Pulse Alive.

“Pulse Alive has given me the chance to share my passion for performing for others,” Amber said.

“All the principal performers and the amazing Pulse production team are so passionate, encouraging and welcoming.

“I have made new friends from across the state and learned so much about what is involved in both a large-scale production and smaller productions.

“There is something truly magical when you work with other people who are just as passionate about the performing arts,” she said.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to the Pulse production team – Peter, Richard, Simon, Sally, Gin, Josh, Camilla and Ian for believing in me, and helping me grow as a performer.

“Fast forward to now, and here I am, lucky to be a member of the Pulse Alive Dance Company for 2026,” Amber smiled.

“I’ll be forever grateful to the audition panel, and never imagined having this opportunity twice.

“My Pulse Alive experience started back in May, 2024 when Mr Carrol reached out to me to perform at Pulse Moree.

“I had no idea what Pulse Moree was, but I eagerly agreed,” she said.

At the Pulse Moree three-day workshop, Amber trained in choreography with talented dancers from the Pulse Alive Dance Company.

Amber’s hunger for dance led her to apply for Pulse Alive 2025.

After a six-hour audition at Lewisham, she was selected to perform at two sold-out shows at Ken Rosewall Arena.

She also toured Broken Hill and performed in front of Moree audiences at the MSC multi-purpose centre.

During last year’s Moree tour, Amber worked with Year 5 and 6 students at an extensive workshop, where she taught drama, and musical and dance skills.

“The young students were amazing to work with, and it felt good to give back,” Amber said.

“I was also selected to compere a section of the Moree tour, where I interviewed one of the local students I had been working with.”

A week after the Moree Tour, Amber flew to Sydney to attend a full day of rehearsals with the Broken Hill Tour Group.

“We flew to Broken Hill on a Monday and set up when we arrived. There were three days of workshops with different students. I worked with students in Years 5 and 6 and assisted one of the choreographers teaching the group their dance,” Amber said

She also took to the microphone and helped compere at the sold-out Broken Hill show.

“To see these rural kids come to life on stage, and being so proud of themselves was a very memorable experience for me,” Amber said.

“The young students from Moree and Broken Hill were just so grateful for the opportunity to perform, and for my help with teaching.

“To be recognised in my hometown by students and their parents who couldn’t thank me enough for my support was surreal.

“Bringing the performing arts to rural areas encourages upcoming and new performers to practice and grow their talents.

“It’s about creating inclusion for all – giving rural kids the same opportunities as kids in the city,” she said.

Pulse Alive returns to Moree in May.

“I can’t wait to share the experience with the Moree kids again and I’m also fortunate to be part of the Pulse Sunraysia Tour,” Amber said.

Amber performed at all three nights last week and also helped put the final touches together for show nights.

“Honestly, Pulse Alive is a life-changing experience, and I thank Mr Carroll for his continued support – not just with Pulse Alive but for the past six years,” Amber said.

“And last but not least, my mum, Sharon – I couldn’t have done any of this without her love, support and belief in me. Mum encourages me to take ‘every opportunity that comes your way’.

“I can’t emphasise enough how emotional and magical the entire experience is.

“I am so grateful. The days are long, the bruises are real and the body is sore, but I wouldn’t be anywhere else.

“I really am living my dream life,” she smiled.