WANSTEAD: Pupils stage dance showcase (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WANSTEAD: Pupils stage dance showcase

5:11pm Wednesday 26th May 2010 in Education News By Sam Adams

DANCE styles from across the globe were showcased by talented youngsters during a memorable performance at a Redbridge school.

Jazz, Indian, Portuguese and African-style dancing were all on display when pupils at Wanstead High School took to the stage to show off some of what they had learned during the past term.

Tracey Phillipson, performing arts co-ordinator at the school, in Redbridge Lane West said the Dance Showcase was enjoyed by everyone involved.

She said: "The Dance Showcase celebrated some of the wonderful work that is being developed as part of the Dance curriculum and during our lunchtime and after school dance clubs with performers drawn from across the school.

"The show opened with members of our Year seven Dance Club performing 'Little Green Bag,' a piece they created which was inspired by the music and dance styles of the 60s.

"Then we were treated to a solo performance by one of our sixth form dance students, Eleanor Seaton performing a Jazz Dance Piece.

"The show continued with a really wide range of dance styles including an Indian Dance choreographed by students Mamta Brahmbhatt and Leah Tank, an African and Portuguese influenced piece performed by a group of year nine students and 'Bounce' where a boys' dance group wowed the audience with complex sequences.

"The evening closed with students filling the stage in a fantastic Michael Jackson tribute."

Ms Phillipson said the youngsters had worked tirelessly to polish their performances ready for the big night where they were cheered on by an audience of parents and friends.

Wanstead High School is a specialist college in the performing arts.

For more information visit: wansteadhigh.co.uk