There was a distinct seventies vibe at this year’s North Tyneside Dance Festival as children from Star of the Sea Catholic Primary in Whitley Bay took to the stage with an energetic disco-themed performance. The school was among more than 60 taking part in the annual festival, which was held over six consecutive nights at the Whitley Bay Playhouse.
The Star of the Sea routine was choreographed by Harriet Carr, from Decote Dance in North Shields, and featured pupils dancing to the ABBA classic Voulez Vous.
“After weeks of rehearsals during a morning breakfast club, 19 boys and girls from Year 3 to Year 6 performed their dance at the Whitley Bay Playhouse,” said David Thompson, PE Lead at Star of the Sea, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
“The theme for the event this year was ‘The Living World’, and we performed Voulez Vous by ABBA, with the children all wearing casual street wear coloured black and blue.”
Headteacher Kathryn DiMambro and Deputy Headteacher Lisa Chidlow joined Mr Thompson in supporting the pupils on the night, alongside a packed audience of family members and friends.
“The venue was packed with parents and carers, and children from other schools supporting and encouraging each other,” continued Mr Thompson.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, from the dress rehearsal to having their own dressing room, and then performing in front of an audience on stage.”
Despite some pre-show nerves, the pupils impressed with their confident performance and enthusiasm.
“The children from Star of the Sea developed in confidence and, although there were some nerves on the night, they all performed brilliantly and were buzzing when they came off stage,” he added.
“After all the hours of rehearsals, the night was amazing, and the children should be proud of their achievements.”
This article is based on a media release from BarkingDogMedia, compiled using ChatGPT, and edited by North East Bylines.
