Dance show at Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Dance show at Churston Ferrers Grammar School
This December we hosted our second ever dance show, a sequel to ‘Dance Around the World’ in 2006. ‘Step in Time’ was again linked with the school’s Humanities Specialist status, but this time with an historical slant.
Through 40 separate dance routines, Step in Time was a show taking the audience through history in the form of dance. Starting with Creation, to the Future, over 140 students, throughout the school, either choreographed or performed in different acts, not forgetting the equally important students and teachers backstage and at the front of the house. Many students also took part in the preparation of the show, by helping with advertisement, costume and set design.
The show opened with an assortment of performances from a range of eras. A captivating performance of classical ballet in the creation era; moving on to a special number ‘Walk the dinosaur’ by members of staff; to Egypt where a group of sixth formers learnt a traditional belly dancing piece. Original costumes were hired for the Tudor era, where Queen Elizabeth took to the stage for an American line dance. Following this era, was the ‘Commedia dell’arte’ where performers took on the roles of mimes, and students learnt traditional Cachuca and Gavotte dances. To end the first half, leg warmers came out for the 20th Century musicals.
The aroma of mulled wine and mince pies filled the sixth form center during the interval, where the audience took a break to listen to the school Jazz Band.
Starting the second half, the girls from the 20s and 30s donned their tassel dresses, before Churston’s version of Strictly Come Dancing took to the stage. We were lucky enough to have a guest appearance from Eden Park Primary school, performing a tribute to Michael Jackson, followed by an upbeat and brightly coloured tribute to Abba.
Bringing the audience up to date, the contemporary dancers filled the stage and upped the tempo.
One performer commented “I can’t believe the amount of talent there is. It’s been so much fun and a constant great atmosphere.”
The end of the second half drew to a close, with an emotional procession by our Churston Combined Cadet Force, reflecting on current issues and our hope for peace.
Audiences were delighted by the energy, enthusiasm and skill of the whole event, as one attendee said – “I’m amazed, I would never have thought there was such talent here, it had the professionalism of a West End Show!’
The performances to full houses and roaring of applause left performers ecstatic, meant we were able to donate money to the Rowcroft Hospice and fulfilled director of the show, Mrs. Susan Gunn-Johnson’s vision.
The Director of the show – Susan Gunn-Johnson – said ‘It was a thrill for me to watch the show, not simply because of the quality of the performances, but because it transformed a concept which had been in my head into a reality on stage and showed just what students can achieve and how far they can develop ideas. I hope too that everyone will have had a taste of the real excitement that is generated by working together on a production. The show programme demonstrated just how many students and staff gave of their time, talent and energy and I can not thank them enough.’
More information and pictures can be seen on www.churstongrammar.com