Just get up and dance! - Have to Dance competition at Wellington College

Dance has been running as a co-curricular activity within the Senior School since August last year and has firmly been embedded within the Prep School this academic year not only as a co-curricular activity but within the curriculum itself. Dance at Wellington has well and truly taken off in spectacular style and this was highlighted by the Have to Dance competition that took place on Friday.

“The rhythms of dance lie deep in the human psyche and learning to understand dance should be important for boys as well as girls. It is an art form that achieves personal expression and liberty through great discipline – and it is healthy exercise”. Sir Anthony Seldon - 13th Master of Wellington College in the UK.

On Friday the 26th February the theatre came alive with the launch of the first ever Have to Dance competition at Wellington College. The process started way back in October when the competition was launched to the entire Prep and Senior School. The pupils were told they had until January to form a group or compete as a solo artist and create a piece of completed choreography independently. In January, 17 groups and solo artists auditioned for the panel and seven competitors were placed into the final. Each group was given a mentor with whom they would work for three sessions. The mentor would provide constructive criticism of the piece and help the performance to progress.

The competition that took place on Friday was of an extremely high standard, evident by the support received from the school audience who – as the fourth judge through claptometer – clapped, cheered and stamped their approval. The three judges, Mr MacMahon, Ms Prescott and Miss Street, had an extremely tough decision as the standard was so high and that they were forced to award two competitors the runner up prize. To celebrate the standard of dance here at Wellington, and to give the judges time to deliberate, there was a recital by the three dance scholars. This was followed by a foot tapping rendition of ‘Me Old Bamboo’ by the Prep Jazz CCA.  The entire event celebrated the talent, ability and individuality of Dance here at Wellington College and this will only grow as the school does.

‘Nobody cares if you cannot dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion’ – Martha Graham

Our aim is that everyone will engage in dance within the College, whether through expertly developed classes, exciting and skilful performances, ground-breaking choreography, or appreciation of professional demonstration.

WINNERS: TRIPLE F’S
RUNNERS UP: NADIA HOU, THE MJ DANCE