Local dancers ready to conquer London at Making Moves National Platform!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the stars at Barbara Priestman Academy, a specialist school based in the city of Sunderland.
Dancers will head to Sadlers Wells Theatre – a performing arts theatre in London – after being selected out of a staggering 48 National Schools to perform at Making Moves National Platform on 9 July.
This is a truly remarkable achievement that should have the whole North East school community bursting with pride. You’ve certainly caused this at Schools North East!
Victory after victory
Within the Barbara Priestman Academy, which teaches students aged 11-19 years with Autism and/or complex learning difficulties, is the BPA Dance Company, which created their own self-funded company that sees each member undertake a role as well as performing.
In April, they performed at the regional platform at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds with their piece Cor Bellator, which is based on heroes and inspirations using the toolkit and choreography of Danielle Rhimes Lecointe (a London-based Choreographer, Director, Dramaturg, and Creative Coach).
“It’s the most amazing experience of my life”
Making Moves is a brand new choreography and performance project, inviting school and youth groups from across England to showcase their moves.
Over the past year, 48 groups worked with digital choreographic toolkits created by four exciting choreographers – Alesandra Seutin, Dannielle “Rhimes” Lecointe, Jordan Douglas, and Oona Doherty.
Using these toolkits, they created brand new choreographic pieces that they then performed at regional platforms across the country. While this is a monumental achievement all by itself, it didn’t stop there!
From this, eight groups – including our region’s amazing Barbara Priestman Academy – have been selected to perform at the National Platform, sharing their creativity and talent on the Sadler’s Wells Theatre stage.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We couldn’t be happier for the students at Barbara Priestman. Their hard work, dedication, and talent have truly paid off, and we know they’ll shine and make our region proud.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to show off NE students’ skills on a national stage and inspire others with their passion for dance. Best of luck – I hope they enjoy every second!”
Naturally, the students were also thrilled by this outcome.
“It’s the most amazing experience of my life,” Daniel.
“It’s helped raise my confidence lots,” Rebecca.
“It’s good to communicate your feelings in a different way, visually,” Samuel.
Hard work most certainly pays off
The Barbara Priestman dance and performance department has made huge developments in the past year to offer students amazing opportunities – especially those in Sixth Form who are preparing for adulthood.
They work closely with Liberdade and Gosforth Civic Theatre on a range of projects, and they were regional finalists in Udance 2023 (run by One Dance UK at DanceCity).
Shelley, Teacher at Barbara Priestman, said: “ Young people have enjoyed creating choreography of their own and their confidence and skills have developed significantly.
“The outcomes are endless and working with external companies provides work related skills, links to further education and career opportunities. We are so proud of them all. Amazing memories have been made.”
Sam, Teaching Assistant, said: “It’s been amazing working alongside the young people and seeing how much they’ve developed over the past year. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Natalie, Teaching Assistant, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with our young people and being part of the choreography, watching them grow in confidence.”
Understandably, all staff are elated that the students have achieved something so remarkable, including the Executive Head. Adele Pearson said: “’We are absolutely over the moon to be heading to London and so proud of all our young people. Huge thanks to our fantastic team and staff who helped to make it possible.”
Amazing work, BPA Dance Company! We’re truly looking forward to following you on your journey through this competition. Best of luck in London – we’re all rooting for you!
Barbara Priestman Academy is a Schools North East Partner Trust . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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