On the 1st of December, Dartford Grammar School for Girls was delighted to have a professional dancer teach a special one off workshop based on a set work from ‘Richard Alston Dance Company’.

Firstly, students studying GCSE dance were given the marvellous opportunity to see ‘Richard Alston Dance Company’ on the 8th of November.  In the 22 years of ‘Richard Alston Dance Company’ touring, it was the first time performing at the Orchard theatre in Dartford. The company performed several different dance works, which included the piece ‘Stronghold’, a piece made by associate choreographer Martin Lawrance, which was a personal favourite amongst the students, who enjoyed the intense and dramatic atmosphere created through not only the movement but by the score composed by Julia Wolfe.

In addition, the students were blessed to take a master class from a former dancer from the company on the 1st of December.  The class was split into 3 different parts: a technique class, learning choreography from a set work and a creative section. The technique class was a new challenge for all the students ranging from year 9 to year 11 and included items such as centre and travelling work.  

“It was so much fun learning new performance skills and tips to improve our dance skills.”- Student from year 11

The next part consisted of learning choreography from a set dance we had been studying in class which was called ‘overdrive’. As expected, the choreography was difficult and demanding – but very enjoyable. After we had the perfect opportunity to explore the depth of our own ideas.

We were split into pairs and were given the opportunity to make our own choreography inspired by the movement from the set work ‘overdrive’; we were given very limited time but everyone still manage to create unique and dynamic short dances.

 Lastly we were given the chance to show our dances to the rest of the class which was very enjoyable as it was a chance to showcase our hard work and appreciate others. In this case it did not matter what year, class or form we were in but in was a beautiful chance to be inspired by others students which was a learning experience no other classroom could offer.

Alicia Wee, Dartford Grammar School for Girls