North Wootton school shows off dance moves with choreographed routine

Schoolchildren demonstrated teamwork as well as their stylish moves as a choreographed dance routine was performed outdoors this week.

North Wootton Academy invited Helen Battelley of Music and Movement to work with each class from Year 1 right through to Year 6 for the dance over a period of nine weeks.

During the lessons, children were able to collaborate with those in their 'bubble' to create short phrases to include within the dance performance.

And the final product, put to Greatest Showman music, was filmed by principal James Grimsby and shared with parents via social media. The response was a positive one.

One parent said: "The teachers and pupils and all done such an amazing job putting this together under strict Covid rules. But how amazing with everything going on in the world to have something like this."

Mrs Battelley said: "Physical wellbeing is vital in young children and will impact on many other areas of well being, including social and emotional.

"Living with a pandemic, can leave children feeling isolated and lonely.Dance is a powerful tool that promotes unity and cohesion, knowing you are part of something bigger, a collaboration, a shared experience."

She continued: "There was an opportunity to work individually and showcase any personal moves or skills, building self-confidence in their abilities. The performance is powerful and evocative and children were urged to express any frustration they felt and transfer it into their movements.

"It has been my absolute pleasure to work with the children at North Wootton Academy. I hope to be able to offer the same opportunities to other children in and around West Norfolk."