Around 150 students from Years 7 to 13 at Springwood High School took part in the annual show, which had the theme ‘Icons’ and played to a full house of 300 audience members in the Peter Hopkins Hall.

“The show is always a sell-out night, as it incorporates so many of our students,” said Dawn Paulo, Head of Dance at our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Our show encompasses extra-curricular Dance Club pieces, exam pieces, and competition pieces, and every student is welcome, no matter their experience.”

The House Dance Competition also followed the icon theme, and included performances from the school’s four houses, each led by two designated leaders, who choreographed the pieces, as well as arranging music and lighting.

Winners Holkham were led by Ellise Eggleton from Year 12, and Bella Guyatt in Year 10, who drew inspiration from pop legend Michael Jackson for their tribute piece. Featuring a mash-up of the singer’s well-known songs, it was performed by 14 dancers from Years 7 to 12, appropriately dressed in black, glittery outfits with white gloves.

“I am really proud of the dancers from Holkham House,” said Ellise. “They all worked so hard, and I am excited to lead again next year.”

Second place in the contest went to Sandringham, whose FAME performance referenced a host of icons from presenters Ant and Dec to Katniss Evergreen from The Hunger Games; Roxie Hart from Chicago; singer Cher; Mean Girls Regina George, Karen Smith, Gretchen Wiener, and Cady Heron; and Showman PT Barnum. Twenty-six dancers from Years 7 to 12 depicted the different characters.

“Springwood Dance Show is an important event to celebrate and share work, but also to bring us together as a community within school, and with our friends and families,” continued Mrs Paulo.

“The show included 27 pieces, including the finale which started with our boys leading in a routine inspired by icon John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

“It’s great to see lots of students participating from all years, with a range of dance experience. For some students, this was their first time performing on stage, and others are experienced performers.”

“What’s lovely about this event is that it caters for different abilities and opportunities,” she added.

“Some pieces I have choreographed and told the dancers what to do, and in other pieces they have had creative freedom to merge ideas with me, or entirely by themselves.

“The students love being part of the show – there’s so much energy and buzz in the room.”

There will be another chance to see Springwood’s dancers when they perform at the Corn Exchange next month to open the West Norfolk Schools Sport Partnership Primary Dance Festival, and they will also open the WNAT Primary Dance Festival in July.