A WOKINGHAM-based dance school celebrated its 15th anniversary with its first live performance in a theatre since covid restrictions were lifted.
The 1, 2 Step Dance Academy invited its 125 dancers, aged three to 18, to take part in the show. It took place at The Wilde Theatre in South Hill Park, and the youngsters played to full houses.
Called Celebrating 15 Years, the show featured a mix of the styles and techniques that the group had been learning.
It had been organised in such a way that each had their moment to shine on stage within their own age-appropriate choreographed number.
The younger age group crawled their way to The Ugly Bug Ball, the minis shimmied and wiggled in Shake A Tail Feather, and the seniors had a sophisticated Fosse-inspired performance to Bye Bye Blackbird.
Principal Michelle Bolwell said: “Having had our 2020 show cancelled and rearranged numerous times throughout the lockdowns we had everything crossed that our preparations for 2022 weren’t being done in vain.
“For our eldest students who are leaving this summer to go to university or further studies, it was particularly special and important for them to have one final performance on stage.”
Ms Bolwell said that many had been students since they were four.
“To not finish their 14 years with the school with one last theatre show would have been devastating,” she said.
“The show was a revisit of the most memorable dances of the past 15 years, so that along with returning to the theatre after 24 months of uncertainty and a farewell to seniors, made for a weekend full of emotions for all families involved.
“I am beyond proud of my dancers and cannot wait to watch it all over again when we receive our film.
“As a dance family we have shared many wonderful moments and made special memories together so I look forward to the next 15 years.”
The dance school is committed to supporting the local community with fundraising for a different chosen charity every year.
This show raised £930, which will be donated to Berkshire Women’s Aid, which provides a range of services and programmes to those experiencing domestic abuse.
