The head of Dance Ms Powell has been incredibly busy over the last few months, involving as many students as possible in all sorts of dance events, in School and outside of School. Here are all the different events that students have been enjoying. February Students had the fantastic opportunity to have a visit to Cirque Du Soleil and partake in a circus workshop. Students had a wonderful time and were able to watch the show afterwards at the Royal Albert Hall. Below is an account of the day from Abbie W. “In the morning were attended a Circus Workshop where we were firstly taught how acrobats warmed up and how they stretched to ensure they do not get injured. We then had the amazing opportunity to learn how to juggle, walk on stilts and perform different acrobatic skills. After lunch, we got on a coach and headed to see Cirque Du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall. The show was amazing and every student thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Cirque Du Soleil is a Canadian Entertainment company. It is the largest theatrical producer in the world. It was founded in 1984. March Students in Year 8 and GCSE Dance class attended a Move it Dance Exhibition, which is the UK’s biggest annual dance exhibition. Dancers of all levels come together in one gigantic celebration of all things dance, which included classes, performance, career route advice and workshops. April The incredibly talented Ballet Boyz came into School and taught several two hour workshops to years 7, 8 and 10. The Ballet Boyz are an award winning, all male company who travel the world performing on stage. In 2010 they created the ground-breaking project theTALENT. They select eight young male dancers and work with them to mentor and coach those students. They seek to nurture students, regardless of ability and develop self-confidence and trust whilst promoting a wider understanding and appreciation of Dance. May An amazing dancer Claire Hough also came into School to teach several two hour workshops to year 7, 8 and 10. Claire is a professional Krumper, a dance that is relatively new which began in South Central Los Angeles. It’s a urban street dance form that is characterised by free, expressive and highly energetic moves involving the arms and chest. The dance style has become a major influence in hip hop culture and Claire has broken through the barriers that the dance style is mainly a male based dance. The workshops gave the students the chance to build their confidence and raise the awareness of Dance and the requirements of performing with a strong sense of style and dynamics. June A number of Year 7 and 8 students took part in a mass dance project, with over 500 students from nearby Schools, performing at Jim Peters Stadium. Students performed in front of friends and family a Rio Carnival style piece inspired by the Olympic Games being held in Rio this year. The event was a huge success which all students should be incredibly proud of their dedication and achievement in representing Sydney Russell.