Dance Show review

Director of Cultural Affairs, Neville Creed, reviews the fabulous and spellbinding Dance Show.

The Spring Term Dance Show was eagerly anticipated. After the success of the Ballet Recital last term the depth of talent was widely admired and we knew we were going to be in for a treat, and it proved just that! Owing to the enormous demand for tickets the performance was given twice and those who gained admission were rewarded with a simply outstanding show.

A phenomenal number of pupils were involved, with about eighty performers and nearly forty items plus the sound and tech team. The items ran seamlessly and with precise professional efficiency. Solos from Zoe Forbes, Aniella Weinberger, Freya Burdon, Josie Piech, Selena Thompson, Yoan Mihaylov and Tiggy Jones were hugely impressive but there was also tremendous ensemble work – particularly impressive in the confines of the North Wall stage.

Thirteen dance styles, ranging from Breakdance to Ballet were on display, with the boys featuring in many. The pace and energy from the performers was established at the outset by a vibrant contemporary item and capped at the end with a Freestyle number from the leading dancers in the Dance Squad.

Dance has flourished enormously in recent years and some have referred to the growing interest generated by various TV shows, but there is no doubt that the growth at St Edward’s can be credited to our wonderful team of nine dance teachers under the inspiring leadership of Lisa Elkins. The choreography was inspirational and it was good to see that Selena Thompson (Upper Sixth) joined the teachers in the choreography credits.

Plans are already underway for the Gaudy Dance Showcase which will have a particularly tantalising theme, though the details are still being closely guarded.