If there’s one day in Harrodian’s calendar that resembles a scene from Fame: the musical, it’s the Tuesday in November when the School stages its annual dance show. This year the dance day got under way at lunchtime in the theatre when the second and final dress rehearsal began under the supervision of Harrodian’s twin dance gurus, Melanie Edwards and Kelly Dampier, (bottom). The buzz of anticipation grew throughout the afternoon as dancers from 8-16, practised and added the final touches to their routines.
Featuring a Back to the Future theme, this year’s show was bigger than ever, with a remarkable 210 participants taking part and no less than 30 separate acts on stage, ranging from individuals through pairs and smaller groups all the way to larger club ensembles across the age groups.
Unsurprisingly given the number of participants, when compere (and Classics teacher) Mr. Lineker, assuming the guise of wacky Back to the Future time travel inventor, Doc Brown, opened proceedings at 7.00pm, he was greeted by a noisy and enthusiastic packed house of parents and supporters.
They were not disappointed. Featuring musical genres from pop to classical and rock to rap, Back to the Future proved a triumph for the dance team and the children who took part and was consistently well-rehearsed, cleverly choreographed and confidently delivered.
All photos are taken by former pupil, Jamie Lucas, from www.jamielucasphotography.com
According to our unofficial dance critic, diverse highlights included the 12s Dance Club’s performance of I’m Feeling You, Louis and Nicole’s ballroom take on Reet Petite (above), Sean’s athletic I know where I’ve been solo (top) and, of course, the Staff Dance group’s rousing finale to the Power of Love (below).
Pride of place in this year’s show undoubtedly belongs to the Harrodian Dance Troupe, a group of boys and girls drawn from the 14s and 15s whose captivating performance of ‘Storybook Medley’ to the soundtrack of Edward Scissorhands, (below), left the audience spellbound.
