The Spring half term is always a very busy time for Woodham’s Dance Academy, and this year is no exception. Dance Academy have been working hard in preparation for their annual Dance Showcase, but this has not been their sole focus. Once getting over the Christmas concerts, they returned in the New Year ready for Woodham Academy’s Grease performance.
Every lunchtime, the Dance Academy have rehearsed nonstop to prepare for two major performances. They have been given the opportunity to showcase their talent at the annual ‘Feet First Dance Showcase’ held at the Gala Theatre in Durham. This is where schools in the County Durham district perform pieces that tell a story and grab the audience’s attention. Woodham performed two pieces; ‘All these things that I’ve done’ choreographed by Hannah Ken, Director of the Sports Academy. This involved all of the students in the Dance Academy and was the largest group performance of the night. The second piece was ‘Rise’ choreographed by Kay Clarey of Joanne Banks Dancers. This piece involved 10 students from Year 7 right through to Year 10. Both pieces were moving, uplifting and left students and staff inspired by their hard work and commitment.
Two days after the Gala Theatre, Woodham’s Dance Academy travelled to Halifax where they took part in a full day competition. ‘The Great Big Dance Off’ is a prestigious competition where there are a lot of schools competing in regional heats. Woodham entered the North heat and showed true performance skills in both pieces. The Dance Academy really met The Great Big Dance Off’s ethos “our desire is to give as many pupils a chance to get up on stage and have a great time”. Watching the students perform, it was clear to see they loved every second of being on the stage in Halifax’s Victoria Theatre. They were outstanding and were a true asset to the school.
The next performance falls on Tuesday 2nd April which is Woodham Academy’s Dance Showcase. This is a fantastic night where the students perform everything they have done in Dance Academy this year. Each year the Dance Academy gets bigger and better and this is the biggest group yet! Tickets are available through ParentPay or from the main reception at Woodham Academy. Adult tickets are £3.50 and student tickets are £2.00. Doors will open at 6:30pm with the show starting at 7:00pm and finishing at 9:00pm.
