It was time for an encore on the evening of  Wednesday 29th April, at our ‘Encore! An Evening of Music and Dance’ event.

Beyond our senior production, this was our first ever on-stage collaboration between music and dance!

The programme saw music items from a wide range of movies and musicals, and most of the dance numbers were choreographed by our students. Some highlights included an energetic drums performance of Wipe Out from Dirty Dancing (1987), a wonderful trio dance to Rhythm Rebels from Honey (2003), and a guitar solo of Arrival of the Birds  from Theory of Everything (2014).

Dance Teacher, Beth Butler, enthused: “The event was engaging allowing the audience to see both music and dance in a creative way. There was a really supportive atmosphere where students could showcase their work across both disciplines. I think students found the live performance setting valuable, allowing them to develop their experience of performing to an audience. They developed their confidence, sense of team, and communication skills through collaboration. Many students likely felt a sense of achievement and pride in presenting their work as part of a larger event!”

That feeling of collaboration was certainly present, as Mikayla (Year 10) had to say: “I found the event amazing! I took part in two performances, one was to 'Beat It' from 'Michael Jackson The Musical' and one was from the movie 'Honey'. It was a great partnership with the music and dance department and great to see a bunch of talented people all performing on the same stage.”

Henry (Lower Sixth) one of the evenings Vocalists, continued with: “The dance was very well organised, and backstage didn't feel overcrowded. The event was really good, with lots of good opportunities for dancers and musicians alike, and I enjoyed my duet of 'All I Ask of You' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera'”

Anja Nash, Dance Teacher and Partnerships Co-ordinator, concluded with: “Having both Dance and Music in this concert offered a varied show for the audience. It is a pleasure working with the dancers and I was extremely proud of how they committed to the movement choreographed. We were so proud of how the dancers and musicians for their high-quality performances and talent as well.”

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