Dance

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This year the dance department has steadily been working towards the end of year production. Year group lunch clubs have been working on contemporary and street pieces for the show in July. The year 8 lunch club has particularly been busy and packed full of eager dancers who have gone on to also compete in a competition this July. I look forward to welcoming many of these dancers into the year 9 dance option subject.

It has been a real joy to see students embracing the extra-curricular in the afterschool clubs too. The contemporary Cascade companies have continued to grow after 2 successful auditions this year. The street dance Friday club is always filled with lots of energy! Well done to everyone attending either the lunch clubs, the Cascade companies or street dance.

The Dance Platform ‘Dance Express 2021’ showcased the best of student and teacher led choreography. There were around 100 students involved, and the variety of dances was fantastic. We truly have some very talented and enthusiastic dancers at Knole.

The event itself, was filmed as a show in full costume and lighting. I am very proud of all the students involved and always look forward to the yearly productions. If you missed the usb order deadline, videos of some of the dances can also be found on the dance department Instagram; @dancemisspage This year, for the second time, I took around 20 students to a Dance Championships in Kent. For the dance department this event was a real highlight of the year and I hope to keep competing as a school. The students were amazing and thrived off the competition. It is wonderful to see the students receiving medals and recognition from professional judges. It goes to show the standard of dance at Knole is something special to be celebrated. Students Placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in 8 out of their 10 dances with some students even competing against other competitors 2 years older. Brilliant work dancers!

I think the students will agree that as a dancer it is these performance opportunities and events that stick with us and hold a special place in our memories. It helps us to remember the hard work put into honing our dance skills, but it also helps to build confidence, make friends and of course be ready for the dance performances to follow. On a separate note, and as a curriculum highlight, let me just say that I am very proud of the year 11s. There were some fantastic and truly deserved grades this year with 3 students high within the grade 9 boundary. Again, the standard of dance is very special, and the students demonstrate a passion for the subject. FINAL THOUGHTS

There is no doubt that dance makes an enormous contribution to our physical, social, and creative health and well-being.

At Knole Academy, we wholeheartedly value the Arts, seeing its importance in culture and in the workplace. For me, it is wonderful to see the exploration and progress our students make from their first lessons in year 7 right to their chosen Dance in year 9 and then some continuing for GCSE.

They develop a range of transferable skills and an appreciation of Dance.

I look forward to welcoming new students next year as they start their journey at Knole Academy and hope to see them embrace the chances to be open-minded and creative.