Gym and Dance Display

This years’Gym and Dance Display was another huge success thanks to the efforts of staff and 130 students.

Years 7 to 13 participated in the two hour show, performed in front of parents, family, friends and fellow Carr Hill students. The theme for the show this year was a Night at the Musical and included 25 choreographed dances. The audience packed out the school hall and were treated to performances to songs from Hairspray, Footloose, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Grease and Chorus Line.

Many students choose to take part in the show as an extracurricular activity whilst others use it as an opportunity to complete GSCE and A level coursework. Either way pupils have been rehearsing on a weekly, or twice weekly, basis since September 2013. In addition to the hours of rehearsals students have also helped making costumes and marketing materials such as programmes and posters.

The students involved in the display develop the performance skills, confidence, sense of professionalism and they get to do something which they love and show off their hard work.

Year 8 student Lauren said: “I’ve been dancing since I was eight years old, all my family are dancers so it is in my genes. I am part of the school’s year 8 and 9 Dance club which is how I got involved with the display. I was in two performances and really enjoyed myself. I love the challenge of learning new routines and making them your own.

Megan, in Year 10, is going to be a part of the Elite Dance Academy next year after a successful trial in January. Megan took part in five routines as part of the display.

She said: “Dance is my passion. Although I get nervous before I perform I love it when I’m out in front of an audience. The rehearsals for the display have been challenging but delivering a great show makes it all worthwhile.”

Dance Teacher Miss O’Connor choreographed most of the performances but students were also responsible for a number of the dances, particularly the gym routines.

The Gym and Dance Display has been a popular annual event for many years. For Miss O’Connor it is her second year
directing, having taking over from Miss Coulthard in 2013.

Miss O’Connor said: “The Gym and Dance Display is a brilliant event for Carr Hill High School and Sixth Form. We have so many talented performers and this production really gives those students the opportunity to show their family and friends what they can do.”

The two hour show finished with a spectacular finale. It involved all the performers in a flashmob style performance to the Shrek karaoke dance party. The show closed to a deafening round of applause and standing ovation to the students’ delight.

Miss O’Connor added: “There was a great atmosphere in the hall whilst the show was taking place and the audience and performers helped to create a fantastic buzz. I am so proud of all the students who took part, their dedication and effort has been superb this year. I look forward to doing it all over again next March.”

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