Primary school dance into the finals of The Great Big Dance Off
by Educate Magazine May 30, 2019 · All News / Primary School News
Upton Heath C of E Primary School have danced their way through to the finals of national competition The Great Big Dance Off.
46 children, aged from 6-11 years of age, performed a routine full of edgy contemporary choreography at the North West Heat at Parr Hall in Warrington in April, successfully winning a place to represent the North West region at the national finals in June.
The Upton Heath C of E Primary School team were accompanied by their dance teacher, Chloe Vickers, from House of Dance who run a weekly after school dance club at the school. Their winning routine placed them third in the heats and explored the topic of endangered animals. This will be the second time that Upon Heath C of E Primary School have made it to the finals of the Great Big Dance Off.
Chloe Vickers said: “Our aim at House of Dance is to create a platform for youngsters, from every walk of life and ability, to perform and make wonderful memories.
“We are so passionate about dance within education and have seen the huge impact it can have on each individual child. We like to push the boundaries through our choreography, which is the reason behind choosing the topic of endangered animals. The art of dance is so powerful, and the youngsters wanted to send an important message and capture the audience.”
The Great Big Dance Off is a popular national dance competition specificially for schools across England and Wales, and all styles of dancing are welcomed.
The children were also accompanied by Year 3 teacher Miss Briony Hodge, who teaches Juniper Class. Miss Hodge said: “After getting through to the finals in 2018, the children wanted to really challenge themselves this year and the theme of endangered animals helped them to do that. They gave a spectacular performance and I was so proud to be there and watch their hard work pay off.”
The final of the Great Big Dance Off will take place on June 4 at the New Theatre in Oxford with the winner crowned National Schools Dance Champions 2019.
