Dance provides a liberating opportunity for boys and girls of all ages to experience freedom of movement and expression. It also allows pupils to explore and gain an understanding of cultures from around the world. At King’s Worcester, dance is part of the Lower Years curriculum, recognising its value as a subject in its own right. Older pupils have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of highly popular co-curricular activities including regular technique classes, workshops, performance showcases and trips to professional dance productions.

Dance Facilities

We have a fantastic purpose-built Dance Studio complete with full-length mirrors, a sprung floor and an integrated sound system. For our large-scale dance performances we use the John Moore Theatre, and we also host smaller showcases throughout the year in the Wightman Studio.

Both curricular and co-curricular dance activities are overseen by our specialist dance teacher.

Curriculum Dance

In the Fourth Form to Lower Sixth (Year 7 to Year 12), pupils receive dance experience through the Dance and Drama curricular programme or as part of the PE Contemporary Dance option. Dance introduces the three strands of creating, performing and appreciation, through Capoeira, Street Dance, and Contact Improvisation.

Many classes perform in the annual Dance Showcase or in the Foundation Dance Day. Individuals and smaller ensembles also perform in the Music, Arts, Dance and Drama Society (MADDS) evenings. MADDS is a society, run by pupils, which provides a platform for those who would like to perform in front of a friendly audience. Pupils in Years 7, 9 and 12 are able to choose dance as a specialist option in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards accredited by Trinity Guildhall.

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Co-curricular Dance

King’s dance outside of lessons is particularly strong, with opportunities available for boys and girls of all ages. Entry to the Senior Company is by audition and is aimed at pupils who wish to train and perform at a high level. Each year the department appoints a Senior Dancer, a Sixth Form student who shows extraordinary talent and commitment to Dance. The Senior Dancer has opportunities to choreograph and teach younger groups, developing their own technique and leadership skills. The School also has a Junior Dance Company and runs many other development clubs including Street Dance and Ballroom Dance.

Many of these classes/clubs perform in the annual Dance Showcase. Individuals and smaller ensembles also perform in smaller, regular performance showcases such as those organised as part of the Arts Award programme. Many pupils in Years 7, 9 and 12 are able to choose Dance as their nominated skill in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards accredited by Trinity Guildhall.

These experiences have supported the nurturing of some great talent over the years. Several pupils have gone on to study dance at university, and one former pupil has become the youngest person, at twenty-one years of age, to choreograph the English Ballet’s recent production of The Firebird. Whilst much emphasis is placed on the fun and social aspects of dance, it is always underpinned by an ethos of striving for improvement and developing creative and emotional maturity and open-mindedness.

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