Last term, Year 9 and key stage 4 students were privileged to participate in a Dance Workshop led by renowned artistic director Drew McOnie.

The event was an exceptional opportunity to develop our technical and creative skills under the guidance of a renowned professional from the performing arts industry. 

The workshop started at 11:30am in the dance studio. Known for his outstanding contributions to musicals and dance productions, Drew brought an undeniable energy and passion that immediately inspired and engaged us. The session began with a warm-up designed to challenge both our physical and mental focus. He emphasised the importance of connecting with the music and conveying emotion through movement, encouraging us to approach the choreography with confidence and individuality. The choreography was a short motif from a musical that Drew had worked on. We were told that this piece of dance was actually an audition dance. Nonetheless, his teaching style was both supportive and motivating, making even the most challenging steps feel achievable.

For many Year 9 students, the workshop was particularly significant. It provided us with a glimpse into the world of professional performing arts and highlighted the opportunities available through courses such as GCSE and BTEC Performing Arts. For the current BTEC students, it helped them “inspire creative thinking and develop technical abilities that align with the BTEC Performing Arts course”. Drew’s words about confidence, creativity, and expression left a lasting impression and encouraged us to consider how performing arts might play a role in our future studies and dreams. 

Year 9 Dancers