Tone and Posie

Dancers from Years 7-11 had the wonderful experience of taking part in Berkshire School’s Tone and Poise Dance Competition on Friday 6th February.

Students competed in both the street and contemporary categories with pieces choreographed for scholars, GCSE and NATD.  They also performed their own choreography.  We are thrilled and proud of the way they conducted themselves backstage, their performances and their professional attitude throughout the event.

The competition was tough with a wide range of schools including The Abbey, LVS, Reddam House, Hall Grove School, Queen Anne’s and Bradfield. The standard of dance technique was exceptional across all schools. The judges were Reuben Spencer and Pandy Dean both professional dancers. Reuben Spencer is also a choreographer who is about to lead a youth dance company at the Corn Exchange in Newbury having worked extensively with Luke Brown Dance Company.

All students were beaming with pride after the judges votes were in:

• Mikayla entered the street dance solo category and placed second. As she received her certificate, one of the judges presented it to her, saying, ‘I loved your style.’
• Julia’s choreography was danced by Issy, Freya H and Nanaki and won first place. Freya (Year 10) commented ‘Julia’s choreography was so abstract and clean.’
• Emma (Year 8) came away after the judges announced her contemporary duet with Akshay had been awarded first place saying, ‘I am so chuffed.’

Beth Butler, Dance teacher at LP said ‘It is such a valuable experience to take students to a professional venue to perform in front of a live audience with other students from a wide range of schools. It helps build their confidence and performance experience. To share the experience in a supportive dance community was invaluable. It was an excellent opportunity for students to share their individuality and creativity through the movement material.’

Rowan Hampson (parent) commented ‘I thoroughly enjoyed watching the dance competition on Friday. The dancers were all fabulous! What really stood the LP dancers apart was that there was nothing to hide behind, no glitter or sparkly costumes, just their talent that shone through. Their confidence on stage was remarkable, and they performed with such grace, focus and poise! Well done and thank you to Beth & Anja for nurturing, inspiring and supporting the performers.’

Shani McNeill (parent) added ‘For me the LP dancers stood out throughout the competition for dancing with such emotion and purpose. Definitely worthy of their wins!  As a dance group they have grown and developed so much over the years, especially with their technique.  They are a credit to Beth & Anja and such a credit to LP.’

The Results

KS3
Contemporary Group:             Akshay and Emma – 1st place
Choreography:                            Akshay – 1st place

KS4
Street Dance Solo:                     Mikayla – 2nd place
Contemporary Solo/Duet:     Julia and Tyler – 1st place
Contemporary Group:             Dance Scholars – 1st place
Choreography:                          Julia’s choreography danced by Issy, Freya H and Nanaki – 1st place
Tyler’s choreography danced by Mikayla and Freya W – 2nd place

Back to news