Sleeping Beauty
On 1st and 2nd December, 81 students from various age groups at College graced the stage in a spellbinding rendition of Sleeping Beauty in two sold out performances.
The performances were a culmination of months of hard work and commitment by both students and dance teachers. It gave students the opportunity to showcase their amazing dance skills. Their dazzling costumes added a touch of magic to the performances, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
The show was choreographed by the CLC dance teachers, with auditions held at the end of the summer term, giving students an opportunity to vie for solo and duet roles. Well done to all who participated and contributed to making this production truly special.
Special mention to Lulu (SFC2) who has been dancing at College since LC3. Lulu took on the main roles of both Carabosse and Prince Desiré, meaning she was on stage in all four Acts; her energy and characterisation did not waiver - well done Lulu!
If you would like to re-watch the performance, click here to watch on YouTube.
You can find more Sleeping Beauty photos on Zenfolio.
A Glance at the College Dance Programme
The Dance Programme at College has been experiencing growth year after year with over 80 students now actively participating in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Tap. The programme caters to students of all skill levels, emphasising inclusion, physical fitness, enjoyment of dance and social interaction. The dance lessons also provide valuable performance opportunities.
The Foundation Ballet class, offered weekly to all ages, serves as a gateway to learning the fundamentals of Classical Ballet. After completing the Foundation course (or if they come with previous experience) students are trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations syllabus for Ballet from Grade 3 to Grade 8 and Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2. Students are also trained in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) examinations syllabus for Modern, Contemporary and Tap.
Lessons take place at the CLC Health & Fitness Centre, Parabola Arts Centre and on the main College site, and are taught by a team of five highly-qualified teachers. Collectively they bring over 60 years of UK and overseas dance performance and teaching experience to College, graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance, The Hammond School, and Northern Ballet School.
This term, a group of students not only rehearsed for the Sleeping Beauty production but also prepared for their Ballet exams. Taught by Miss Willoughby and Miss Kurzweil for the past five years, these students exhibited commendable dedication, managing their time amidst GCSEs, the challenges posed by COVID and then continuing throughout Sixth Form. Their recent completion of the RAD Grade 8 Award is a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to Lulu, Isadora, Meredith, Sukhmani, Alexandra, Edie and Lila.
Special recognition is also due to two outstanding students, Xuan Xuan (UC4) and Isadora (SFC2). Xuan Xuan has achieved highly at many International Dance competitions; including the Taiwan Grand Prix, the Miami International Ballet Competition and the Asian Grand Prix. She has also recently achieved her RAD Advanced 1 examination, and we look forward to watching her continue to excel in the coming years. Isadora has demonstrated exceptional commitment and versatility, training in all dance genres throughout her time at College.
Throughout the academic year, students engage in collaborative dance projects and festivals, creating connections within the Gloucestershire arts community. Noteworthy collaborations include a performance with the Royal Society of Church Music, in the celebration of St Cuthbert at Christchurch in Cheltenham, and an invitation to perform with the Avant Garde dance company in a mass dance, arranged by Strike A Light for the opening of the newly refurbished Kings Square in Gloucester. We have also taken part in a concert for Ukraine at Cheltenham Town Hall, where CLC students, and a student from Balcarras Academy, performed a 20-minute specially commissioned piece choreographed by Peter Anderson, titled Legacy. Music was composed by Oscar Navarro and the dance was accompanied by a spellbinding Oboe performance. The emotionally charged piece truly captivated the audience.
In 2024, students will perform for the second year running in the Gloucestershire Schools Dance Festival and for the first time we will be entering students into the Cheltenham Performing Arts Festival in the Dance Classes.
The dance opportunities extend beyond College. Last spring, dance pupils embarked on a two-night adventure in London, witnessing a captivating performance of Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House. The following day, they explored the new Royal Academy of Dance headquarters, participated in a ballet class led by esteemed RAD teacher Darren Parrish, and engaged in a workshop on Benesh Movement Notation.
Looking ahead, this Spring promises a magical experience for 23 pupils from LC2 to SFC2, as they embark on the International Festival of Dance and Performing Arts in Disneyland Paris. Competing against other dance schools, the pupils will also take part in a pre-parade, showcasing their talents to visitors - as well as a chance to explore the parks, meet characters and enjoy the attractions.
Mrs Hucker, Assistant Director of Sport - Engagement and Head of Strength and Conditioning
