Pupils from Dundee Secondary Schools performed at the Dundee Secondary School’s Dance Festival which was led by Active School coordinators and Physical Education Teachers.
The Dance Festival is part of Dundee’s Schools Sports Association which aims to get as many Secondary pupils involved in Dance clubs and events as possible and create ways to promote pathways to participate, choreograph, organise events, volunteer and Lead in Dance.
This exciting event had around 90 secondary school pupils from across Dundee showcasing their wonderful and creative talents in Street, Contemporary and Open categories, with choreography created by the school pupils themselves as well as some of our dance leaders, ex pupils and assistance from staff. The Dance Festival provides an opportunity for parents, guardians, friends and dance lovers to share in the dance experience.
Preparation for this event started in June 2022, with a number of 4th and 5th year pupils from Dundee Secondary Schools attending a week-long Dance Leaders Level 5 qualification (Sports Leaders UK) which has given them the confidence to choreograph and lead dance in their schools.
James Fenna, Active Schools Manager at Leisure & Culture Dundee said
“Becoming a Dance Leader is a fantastic role. Not only is it a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people, but the programme helps youngsters develop as leaders by influencing and reflecting the views of other young people. We encourage our Young Leaders to motivate and inspire others to get into sport and physical activity, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible experience across Dundee.”
Gillian Pack, Active Schools Coordinator & Freelance Dance Teacher
“The Dundee Secondary Schools Dance Festival has developed into such an amazing event over the years. It’s not only a great celebration of dance and a chance for pupils to show off their dance skills and choreography, but it is also a great way to bring pupils and schools together, focusing on; teamwork, creativity and engaging as much participation as possible throughout our secondary schools.
Whether this is performing, leading dance groups, choreographing, editing music, or selling programmes, everyone contributes in their own way. It’s a great way for pupils to meet new people, step out of their comfort zone and grow in confidence. The teams all work so hard in the lead up to this event and the standard of dance and choreography is absolutely incredible across all three categories.
It was wonderful to have some of our guest performances, such as Rosebank primary School, Stage Academy, Urban Moves, RC Dance Company and students from the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance all join us for this event. We were also lucky to have Kingspark School and Tayside sing it sign it Makaton choir open the show, which was very heart warming. What a fantastic performance.
Well done to all of the young people taking part and to all of the teachers, staff in schools and to the family and friends who came along to support them. There is always such a buzz at this event and we are all looking forward to next years festival already with hopefully lots of new faces joining us!”
Also invited along to judge at this years event was Terri Dewar, Daniel Aing, Linda Tosh and Fiona Gallagher Stewart.
All dance groups performed to a very high standard, with St John’s school winning the Street dance category and St Pauls school winning the Open and Contemporary Categories.
Photo by Bob Pack Photographer