On Thursday, June 13th, Let’s Dance 2024 showcased an incredible array of talent from students across the school, featuring a diverse range of performances. The event opened with a delightful piece by Year 5 students from Whiteknights Primary School, developed in collaboration with our A Level Dance students and Dance teacher, Beth Butler. The evening continued with performances by GCSE and A Level Dance students, who not only presented choreographic pieces created specifically for the show but also showcased pieces from their recent NATD exams.
The NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dancing) Grades are internationally renowned, offering students the chance to enhance their technique, knowledge, and performance skills while earning valuable UCAS points. Students progress through the grades, developing their own choreographic skills from solos to group pieces, and learn set movements to expand their movement vocabulary.
Dance teacher Anja Nash expressed her pride in the growing number of students participating in dance, from 11 students in 2022 to 28 this year. She remarked, “They showed such professionalism and came out of the exams buzzing, having this now under their belt. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved. We are really impressed with how well the dancers have prepared for the exams and we are so pleased to have so many students taking the grades”. Furthermore, student, India, added “The NATD Grades inspire me to dance with technique as well as freely”.
A boy’s ensemble piece was also showcased in Let’s Dance. A week prior, professional dancer Charlie Hogan conducted a boys’ workshop, teaching them two new pieces of choreography to perform at the show. These pieces were combined into a full performance, highlighting skills such as technical lifts, floor work, and partner work. Head Boy Zeb stated, “Dance is definitely not just a sport for girls. It’s a thing for everyone, a great way to stay active and enjoy yourself.” Harry, a Year 9 student, emphasised the inclusivity of dance at the school, noting, “It’s very inclusive. In many schools, it is very girl-focused, but here there are lots of boys involved.”
The night continued with performances by LP’s LooP Dance Company, along with solos and group pieces from various passionate dancers. The event was a wonderful celebration of the arts at Leighton Park, providing a great opportunity for students to try something new, build their confidence, and develop their dance skills. It is also wonderful to see our students partnering with schools in the local communities such as Whiteknights, offering invaluable experiences to their education.
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