Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Students showcase fancy footwork at dance festival
HIGH school pupils in Dundee have performed at the Dundee Secondary Schools Dance Festival.
Around 90 pupils from schools across the city performed at the event on Thursday.
The festival featured competitions in street, contemporary and open dance categories, with choreography created by the school pupils themselves as well as some dance leaders, ex pupils and staff.
Preparation for the event started in June 2023, with a number of 4th and 5th year pupils from Dundee secondary schools attending a week-long Dance Leaders Level 5 qualification led by Daniel Aing of Dundee and Angus College and Gillian Pack of Active Schools, which aimed to give pupils the confidence to choreograph and lead dance in their schools.
James Fenna, Active Schools manager at Leisure & Culture Dundee, said: “Becoming a dance leader is a fantastic role.
“Not only is it a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people, but the programme helps youngsters develop as leaders by influencing and reflecting the views of other young people.
“We encourage our young leaders to motivate and inspire others to get into sport and physical activity, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible experience across Dundee.”
Gillian Pack, Active Schools coordinator and freelance dance teacher, added: “The Dundee Secondary Schools Dance Festival has developed into such an amazing event over the years.
“It’s not only a great celebration of dance and a chance for pupils to show off their dance skills and choreography, but also a great way to bring pupils and schools together, focusing on teamwork, creativity and engaging as much participation as possible throughout our schools.
“Whether this is performing, leading dance groups, choreographing, editing music, or selling programmes, everyone contributes in their own way.
“It’s a great way for pupils to meet new people, step out of their comfort zone and grow in confidence. The teams all work so hard in the lead up to this event and the standard of dance and choreography is absolutely incredible across all three categories.”
St John’s school took the win in the street and contemporary categories with Harris Academy winning the open division. Ailsa Blyth of Harris was the winner of the individual overall star performer award.