Advance Dance Training

Posted at 2:38 pm on 22nd April, 2021

At Flixton Girls School (FGS) we have always believed in the need for face to face practical subject support, so during the lockdown this has obviously been stopped. However, with the reopening of schools we were very pleased to be able to provide our first face to face workshop for our year 10 GCSE Dance students.

Amber Calland, the workshop facilitator is a freelance dance artist who works with the Manchester based dance company; Company Chameleon. Amber said, ‘The girls have done fantastically well - they really attacked the workshop and working hard.’

We have worked with the Lowry over a number of years and annually host a workshop for dancers in school which introduces them to the Centre for Advanced Training - this is a national initiative and the Lowry acts as the regional hub for the North West. It attracts dancers from across the whole of the north west and beyond; providing performance opportunities on a regional and national level. Students who are on the programme participate in classes outside school and have additional opportunities to work with professional dance artists across a range of genre and styles.

Over the year’s numerous students from FGS have been involved in the programme. Currently, Elizabeth Beere year 10, is one of the lucky few taking part in this initiative. Students were signposted to audition last year, during lockdown and Elizabeth was selected following her audition. Elizabeth commented, 'The CAT programme is a fantastic opportunity to try out different dance styles, work with some brilliant dancers and meet lots of other dancers from across the area. I am really enjoying the programme and hope it will assist me in progressing my ambition of a career in dance, when I leave school.' 

Students from year 10 participated in this advance dance training workshop to help them understand more about what is required to be a successful dancer. As well as providing some ideas for creating movement for their own choreography and developing their technique, in preparation for the performance elements of their Dance GCSE.

We are continuing to offer a broad and balanced curriculum in the performing arts department, including practical dance sessions, so that students who are studying dance courses can continue to develop their technique. This term we are planning to re-introduce face to face dance clubs and we are hoping to host a performance towards the end of this academic year.

Mrs Ashurst, Dance Teacher said, ‘I was really pleased to be able to offer a face to face workshop. The impact on students learning from practical experiences and working with professional dancers cannot be under estimated. It was great that Amber was able to create such high quality work in a short space of time and considering all of the COVID health and safety requirements.’