West Norfolk dancers ‘still standing’ at festival

Young performers from across West Norfolk came together at the Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn for a day of dance.

Children from the region’s primary schools were taking part in the West Norfolk School Sport Partnership (WNSSP) Dance Festival, which had as its theme this year ‘Movies and Musicals’.

Among the talents taking to the stage were 25 Year 3 pupils from West Lynn Primary School, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

The group had been practising their routine since the beginning of term, with the help of teachers Becky Lopez and Matt Smith, and teaching assistants Iffat Khatri and Sharon Fakenbridge, and performed a dance to the Elton John classic ‘I’m Still Standing’.

“West Lynn has taken part in the dance festivals before, and we previously had our Reception Class, Year 1 and Year 2 take part in them,” said Becky Tuvey, who is PE Lead at the school.

Other WNAT members starring in the show, which featured morning and afternoon performances, included Clenchwarton Primary and Heacham Infant School.

“Thirty children from Year 3 performed,” said Sophy Tarsey, who is PE Lead at Clenchwarton. “The children performed a dance to ‘Move Your Feet’ from the Trolls movie.

“Some children were really looking forward to performing on a stage. Others were very nervous about it, but all overcame their nerves and put on a superb performance.

“This is the first time we have taken part, but definitely not the last as the children gained so much from the event. We have added dance to the PE curriculum this year, and it has been a huge success.

“It is important to take part in events like this, as children worked together to put on a fantastic performance.”

“Events like this give the children the opportunity to learn new skills, perform as a team with their class, and perform in front of an audience,” added Miss Tuvey.

“It is a great celebration of their hard work – and lovely for the parents to be able to watch the performance also.”