TWSSP Dance Week was contrived to support, profile and develop Dance in all of our partnership schools.

The theme for Dance Week 2009 was ‘Dance through the Decades’ with schools working to themes from 1900 to 2000. Each school received a Dance Pack with information on the theme and respective dance styles of the decades, including a CD with relevant music tracks.

Dance Leaders from participating secondary schools, together with local dance teachers and the TWSSP Dance Coordinator and SSCo’s delivered specialist Dance Workshops within the schools in the lead up to and during Dance Week ‘09. 

These are fantastic experiences for both students and staff, and give local dance schools the opportunity to form excellent links with partnership schools.

Dance Week culminates each year with a performance by our partner secondary schools, following the theme of ‘Dance through the Decades’. Each of our nine secondary schools was given a specific decade from which to choreograph and produce a piece for the performance at the Royal Victoria Hall Theatre, Southborough on Thursday 12 February.  The students spent several weeks rehearsing in their lunch breaks, OSHL clubs and evenings, supported by local dance teachers and the TWSSP Dance Coordinator, before attending technical and dress rehearsals at the theatre on the day of the performance.

A sold-out theatre provided the perfect accompaniment for a spectacular show, with each performance a credit to both their school and the partnership. Huge thanks must go to the staff and Young Ambassadors who provided technical support, stage management and ‘front of house’ as well as our event sponsors providing costumes (Bussells & Breaches, Gravesend), make up (Make Up By Linda, Tunbridge Wells) and photographs (DE Photos).

Dance Week yet again proved a great success, with students and staff enjoying Dance and its changing styles through the decades, as well as participating in some energetic and technically challenging activities.

As Dance Coordinator I wish to thank all those who gave their time, energy and commitment to raise the profile and support the development of Dance within our schools.

Marie Broughton AISTD FDE
TWSSP Dance Coordinator.