Introduction
Dance at St Aidan’s aims to provide opportunities for students to gain physical, mental and social benefits from doing a fun, creative and inclusive activity.
Staff
Miss S Miller – Head of Dance
To view the Dance Learning Journey please click here
KS4
Throughout the two year GCSE Dance course, there will be numerous opportunities to take part in workshops with practising professional dancers and choreographers, as well as visits to the theatre to appreciate a variety of dance works.
For further information please see our KS4 Options Booklet 2024
KS5
A Level Dance provides students with lots of opportunity for dance performance and choreography whilst gaining a deep understanding of the diverse dynamic heritage of dance. Students take part in workshops delivered by visiting artists who appear in well-known musicals and members of dance companies such as Northern Ballet Theatre, Adventures in Motion Picture and Rambert.
Performing Arts is also offered within our Associated Sixth Form courses. BTEC Nationals are widely recognised vocational qualifications at Level 3 and are accepted by the vast majority of universities for further study. This course will help you develop your practical skills as well as your knowledge of the Performing Arts industry.
For further information please see our Associated Sixth Form Prospectus
Additonal Learning Resources
All exam classes for Dance and Performing Arts all have their own individual Team with resources and revision material posted on there. The Sixth Form subjects also have an ‘Core Learning’ folder on Teams to support classroom and homework activities.
School Production News
Annie 2024
Last week, we were transported back to 1930s New York as Constance Green hosted St. Aidan’s latest school production, “Annie The Musical.”
The plot follows the charming orphan Annie as she searches for the parents who abandoned her on the steps of the New York City Orphanage, run by the cruel, embittered, and often drunk Miss Hannigan. With the help of the cheeky orphans, who vividly portray the hardships of orphanage life through the famous “Hard Knock Life,” Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. There, she briefly meets Sandy, played perfectly by our Sixth Form Administrator’s adorable English Sheepdog, Rascal.
Upon Annie’s return to the orphanage, much to Miss Hannigan’s disgust (who despises the “Little Girls” in her care), Annie is swept away by Grace Farrell, PA to billionaire Oliver Warbucks, to spend Christmas in luxury at his mansion. She is introduced to a whole other, wealthy side of NYC life, depicted in a glittering musical number involving the entire cast and brilliant choreography, perfectly executed by our students.
The excitement continues with more famous songs, including “Easy Street,” where the Hannigan siblings plot to extort money from Annie’s fortune by faking the arrival of her “real” parents. Uplifting numbers like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and the much-loved “Tomorrow” follow. Eventually, with the help of her new friend President Roosevelt, Annie foils the plot to kidnap her and lives happily ever after with Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrell.
The work that went into this production was enormous. Director Mrs Levahn tirelessly gave notes on each rehearsal, bringing out amazing performances from all the actors and allowing them to shine. Mr MacCallum, in his role as Producer, gathered staff and students, sourced spectacular costumes, sets, props, lighting, and countless other elements to create a fun and entertaining experience for all. He was grateful for the support from Year 13 students Ewan Buchan (Technical Director) and Lucy Morris (Production Designer) for their incredible hard work and creative input.
The ambitious choreography set by Miss Miller was challenging, but with so many trained dancers taking part in the show, the support was there for all cast members to embrace it, and they did! Musical Director Mrs. Elliott pulled together one of the biggest show bands we have ever had. They had been rehearsing since the start of term, and the results of this practice shone through as our musicians performed the fabulously eclectic score to an incredibly high standard.
Overall, “Annie The Musical” was a resounding success, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of everyone involved.
