Dance Showcase and Bollywood

Nineteen acts entered the Dance Showcase, and it was wonderful to see the range of styles on show. I also particularly enjoyed the fact that new dancers were on stage alongside more experienced performers – this experience allows the different performers to learn from each other, and this is exactly how dancers develop their skills.

The first performance was a contemporary dance by Juha and Tiffany (Yr12) to Lovely, and it was a highly expressive piece to open the show. The next piece was Opportunity, a lyrical piece performed by Florence in Year 7, and it was stunning, In a change of styles, the next piece was from Coppélia – Megs danced this classical ballet piece excellently, and she demonstrated beautiful lines, and she also danced en pointe.

Chloe and Jasmine (Yr9) presented a commercial street dance duet, to Who’s that Chick? – it was wonderful, and they enjoyed rapturous applause from the audience. The next piece was Borealis, a beautiful piece of contemporary ballet, performed by Luciana in Year 7.

The next piece has been prepared by Galina and Isabella for their GCSE – Night Time is a contemporary piece, which reflects the different stages of sleep. This was followed by an excellent hip-hop dance, performed by Georgia and Yasmin (Yr7), which led straight into Dandelions, presented by Livvy and Henrietta (Yr7).

Tough Lover, danced by Cherrie in Year 10, was a spectacular jazz show dance, with a strong finish. It was great! The next piece was Turn Up the Base, performed by Elisabeth. They both presented strong performances, followed by Driving Just to Drive, by Charlie (Yr9). It was stunning power – it was so expressive, a blend of power and grace.

Greta and Jolie in Year 7 then performed Somewhere Only We Know – it was both lyrical and fast-paced. This was followed by a street dance performance of One Two Step by Mimi and Bobby (Yr9), who have quite recently started dancing, and it was brilliant!

Molly and Lucy (Yr8) performed ballet to Million Reasons, and their synchronicity was fantastic. In an Emergency was a GCSE contemporary piece, performed by Galina, Isabella, and Alison (Yr11) – the interplay between the dancers was impressive, as was their story-telling. The next piece was Whitney Houston's iconic I Have Nothing – Aya (Yr7) presented a contemporary dance, with great spins and timing.

As a last hurrah to her dancing career at Roedean, Helen in Year 13 performed the Spanish variation of Coppélia, and she most definitely captured the Hispanic feel with her flamenco-inspired dress and fan.

Summertime Sadness was the next piece, which was contemporary dance performed brilliantly by Lois and Coco in Year 8. In start contrast, India (Yr11) performed some street dance to Beggin', and her experience was clear and she communicated well with the audience.

The last piece of the Showcase was Trust –Charlie, Charlotte, Jasmine (Yr9) performed this street dance piece excellently, and it was characterised by strong attitude and perfect timing. Overall, it was wonderful to see so many styles and performers from across the agerange.

The performance ended with the whole of Year 8 on stage, ready to show off what they had learnt during the day in their Bollywood workshops. As ever, Kalpesh had done a brilliant job, and it was clear that the students were having a great time. He also managed to get everyone in the audience on their feet and dancing too, but special mention goes to Mr Halsey, the Head of Year 8, who was up on stage and throwing himself into the moves!

Well done to everyone who was involved, and to Miss Abaza who pulled the show together.