Home-grown talents take to the stage in Whitley Bay

Young dancers took to the stage to share their talents at this year's Newcastle Schools Dance Festival.

Whitley Bay Playhouse welcomed children from some 35 different primary schools in the area to the event, which saw each group in turn perform a four-minute dance routine in front of an audience of their peers.

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​Among the talents on show were the Year 4 dancers from St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Gosforth, who had been practising since February in preparation for their dance ‘Movie Megamix’.

“St Oswald’s takes part every year, as it is an opportunity to showcase our talented Dance Club dancers,” said the school’s Year 1 teacher, Gemma Summersby, who helped the 16-strong group with their routine.

“The children were very excited to show off their dance on the big stage. There were a few nerves, as many of the children had not performed in such a large environment before, but, overall, the main emotion was excitement.

“Events like this are so important for not only the school, but the children. It gives them the chance to showcase their skills and perform in such a fantastic venue.”

St Oswald’s is part of the Bishop Bewick Education Trust, and was not the only BBCET member taking part in the Dance Festival.

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School in Newcastle, who had also attended the event before, was represented this year by a group of 17 dancers, ranging in age from Years 3 to 6.

The dancers performed ‘St Teresa’s Summer Mash-Up’, which had been choreographed by teacher Harriet Gregan.

“The children spent around six weeks during break times and lunch times preparing,” she said. “They were so excited about performing on stage! It brings everyone together to enjoy something they love doing.”