Talent with three performances
included exciting lifts. Advanced student, Macy Parsons wearing a traditional black tutu, elegantly performed ‘Variation 1’ from the RAD intermediate ballet syllabus. This shows the journey the students take in order to accomplish this level of artistry.
A seasonal theme followed for the next two dances as our gorgeous preparatory tap class danced to the cheery summertime beat of Iko Iko. Dressed in ocean blue shiny leotards and Hawaiian skirts with flowers these dancers have been working hard on building their core tap skills to perform together.
The audience were moved straight from summer to autumn as Grade 4 ballet, dressed in brown leotards and lyrical skirts, depicted fallen leaves in a free movement ballet.
We always ‘feel better when we’re dancing’ and our primary tap class definitely do as they performed to this upbeat song by Meghan Trainor from the Peanut movie. Their bright pink, blue and purple tutus perfectly matched their smiles.
This section concluded with a bang as junior, inter and senior commercial students combined to music by Chris Brown, Miss Amy’s favourite. Wearing matching baseball tops and caps the tempo and energy was infectious with the level of sass and talent off the chart! Our dancers love this class and many now want to participate.
The audience were full of expectation as they eagerly awaited what has become a long- standing tradition, our adults dance. The group did not disappoint as they transported us to the Rave’N Dance, with iconic moves from the popular Netflix series Wednesday Addams. With a little bit of ‘Goo Goo Muck’ from The Cramps, as ever, they have had fun rehearsing and we are grateful for their time and commitment. From the box office hit Barbie, the school raised the roof as they came together in a medley for our finale.
Wearing hot pink team PB t-shirts our dancers celebrated on stage as they took their bows, grade by grade. Even the teachers couldn’t help joining in! It was fantastic to hear the appreciation from the audience and the energy was electric.
Miss Rachael said “There are so many people to thank from our talented teaching staff, Miss Beckie, Miss Amy, Miss Pippa and assistants to front of house, our wonderful technical team, backstage supervisors and those who helped with the sourcing of hundred’s of costumes. But I’d like the biggest thank you to go to our dancers, whose commitment and desire was evident on stage and shines through every time they are in class. They inspire me every day and I’m proud they choose to dance with Pat Barker Academy of Dance. We’ll be back on stage in 2025 and can’t wait to see you all then.”
We are delighted to donate the proceeds from the sale of our show programme to Cancer Research UK, who fund scientists, doctors and nurses to beat cancer sooner.
Traditional show Performance Awards were handed out to encourage stage presence with all students receiving a medal for their dedication, participation and hard work.
Junior Personality: Millie Bower, Eadie Howgate, Lily Lewis and Sayvie Meah.
Inter Personality: Lillia Norcup, Lily Robilliard, Darcey Rymell and Isla Weeks.
Senior Personality: Lucy Gibson, Isabelle Kettle and Caitlin Smith.
Teachers Award: Daisy Elleman, Evie Levett, Lottie Newbold and Jae-Cee Williams.
Junior Outstanding Performer winner: Emily Groocock; Junior Outstanding Performer runner up: India Warren.
Senior Outstanding Performer winner: Erin Hook, Senior Outstanding Performer runner up: Izzy Greenwood and Lucy Gibson.
Enrolment is open for our new term which started after Easter on April 6.
We have a new Baby Bop class starting on Thursday mornings for our youngest movers right up to a silver Swans adult ballet class for our older learners.
We really do cater for all, if you would like further information about classes, please get in touch at info@patbarkeracademyofdance.co.uk or through our Facebook & Instagram social media pages. We pride ourselves in being a longstanding dance school in the community with a professional but friendly approach, all staff are fully qualified, experienced, DBS checked and first aid trained. New participants are always welcomed.