Fleetwood school launches 'Dance Academy' and teams up with choreographers linked to Kylie, Steps and Blue
‘We want to offer something here at Rossall that’s different to what’s available elsewhere’
Rossall School dancers shone on stage at the official launch of its new-look Dance Academy.
Dozens of pupils took to the stage for the showcase, marking the exciting new chapter in the school’s performing arts provision.
The academy provides children with up to 15 hours of world-class dance education per week alongside their usual lesson plan, led by professional dancers who have graced the stage with the likes of Kylie Monogue, Steps and Blue.
Alice Kilmartin, Head of the Dance Academy, said: “We want to offer something here at Rossall that’s different to what’s available elsewhere – a combination of academic excellence and professional dance training.
“Things have been going really well since we started reshaping our dance provision last year and we’re excited to now officially launch the academy. We’ve already had one Year 13 student accepted into Italia Conti after a successful audition.
“We want to bring in more top industry professionals to deliver sessions for the students, including choreographers working on the West End – but our main ambition is for pupils to leave us as well-rounded individuals with dance experiences that benefit their future careers.”
Highlights of the new programme include ballet, contemporary & jazz, tap and strength & conditioning.
It also includes opportunities to perform in iconic venues like Blackpool’s Winter Gardens alongside trips to watch performances on the West End.
All students also benefit from tailored, one-to-one tuition to help them achieve their goals.
The Academy will be available to pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 and run alongside the school’s existing GCSE and A-level dance classes.
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Dawn Harris, Head of Dance at Rossall, added: “There aren’t many schools across the country which can offer what we do here at Rossall.
“We’ve already had great responses from parents about how we prioritise nurturing and fostering all-rounded individuals, delivering an exceptional programme which balances the curriculum and their downtime.
“The students’ performances at our show were nothing short of incredible and we are all so proud of the way they shined on the stage.”
The launch of the new Dance Academy comes as Rossall looks to cement its position as a leading centre for sporting and academic excellence in the independent school sector.
Other recent developments include the launch of its ambitious Sports Development Programme, which aims to invest £2.3million in new estate and facilities upgrades to its sporting provision.
More information on the Dance Academy can be found at www.rossall.org.uk/rossall-dance-academy or by contacting the Admissions team via [email protected].