Dance pupils put on a show at festival stage
Pupils at a primary school in Sunderland put their best foot forward when they took part in a dance festival.
Around 30 boys and girls from St John Bosco Catholic Primary School took to the stage after professional lessons by Dance City coach Holly Irving.
The event took place at Dance City in Newcastle in front of an audience of friends and families
The theme of the dance was called ‘Make your Move’ and the children, directed by
Holly, produced a modern take on a circus performance which included circus performance skills, costumes and fantastic dance choreography.
Philip Roddy, a teacher at St John Bosco – which is part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust – said: “It’s been amazing to work with Dance City for our dance performance and the children have done incredibly well.
“They have really committed themselves to learn the routine and the live show was fantastic, we are so proud of them.
“Holly has provided an hour-long session each week for the last two months and she’s been wonderful with the children, guiding them through the routine and ensuring they were confident and comfortable in their performance.”
He added: “Dance is a key part of our physical education curriculum and it’s a great activity for pupils’ wellbeing, both physical and mental.
“The creative and artistic character of dance contributes to our key personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) activities and encourages and strengthens a child’s sense of identity, belonging and feelings of selfworth.”
The project with St John Bosco is part of Dance City’s ‘Make Your Move’ initiative that is focused on working with school children across the North East to encourage and develop a love of dance and celebrate the art form.
Following the performance, every pupil involved achieved an arts award in recognition of their work and commitment in delivering the show.
Lily, a year 5 pupil at St John Bosco, said: “I was very unsure about doing it to begin with and felt nervous in the build-up, but I am so glad I did.
"I am really proud of myself for doing it."