In picutres: Hundreds of pupils take part in Maidenhead Primary Dance Festival

Just over 800 pupils from 21 primary schools took part in an annual celebration of dance at Braywick Leisure Centre last week.

The Primary Dance Festival, organised by the Ascot and Maidenhead School Sport Partnership, was back for its 21st year at the Baylis Theatre on Wednesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 12.

The festival, entitled Our Green Planet, explored the Earth’s past, present and
future – inspired by poetic themes.

The ‘fully inclusive’ festival welcomed pupils aged five to 11-years-old, showing that ‘everyone can dance, enjoy dancing and celebrate dance in the curriculum in our local schools’, organisers said.

The festival showcased the ‘quality of dance that can be created within the curriculum’, typified by the work of the partnership’s dance teacher Jane Douglass in supporting schools throughout the year.

Schools from across Maidenhead and surrounding areas took part,while the Junior Dance Company also took to the stage – a gifted and talented group from schools across the partnership who auditioned.

Organisers were also ‘extremely pleased’ to welcome a new boys group, the Boys Physical Theatre Group, and pupils from Manor Green School.

Emma Fitzgerald, partnership development manager from the School Sport Partnership, said: “We are really proud to be doing this for the 21st year.

“Nearly 14,000 children have performed over the years and we are delighted to be able to create special memories for the future for our children. Dance is a brilliant way to get your 60 active minutes every day.

“Our schools put in weeks of hard work to prepare for this festival, and I’m really pleased the partnership is still able to provide this special performance opportunity and positive experience for them to feel part of something bigger.

“This is a true celebration of dance.”