More than 300 dance fans enjoyed an action-packed evening of entertainment when a West Norfolk Academies Trust school hosted its annual Dance Show.

Springwood Dance 2025 took place in Springwood High School’s Peter Hopkins Hall on Friday 2 May, and featured performances from 137 students across Years 7 to 13.

“We sold out of tickets over a week before the event and had to place in extra chairs so that we could accommodate our waiting list for tickets,” said Head of Dance, Dawn Paulo. “The show is always a sell-out night, as it incorporates so many of our students.”

“Our show encompasses extra-curricular dance club pieces, exam pieces, and competition pieces, and every student is welcome, no matter their experience,” she continued.

“Springwood dance show is an important event, to celebrate and share work, but also to bring us together as a community within school and with our friends and families.”

A highlight of the production was the dance contest, which saw dancers from each of the school’s five houses compete against one another in routines led and choreographed by fellow students.

“For our house competition, each house is designated two leaders,” explained Mrs Paulo. “The leaders are older students in the school and are chosen for their choreographic ability and personal attributes, such as organisation, time management, and good communication skills.

“Each house is allowed to rehearse one day a week at lunch and after school for four weeks, and they must choreograph a piece with students from their house which relates to the theme of ‘Destinations’. The leaders are in charge of choosing their own music and lighting too.”

The winning house this year was Felbrigg, whose 20 dancers were led by Ellise Eggleton and Lucy Roberts, both in Year 11.

“With the theme of ‘Destinations’, we decided to travel around the world to countries such as India, Spain, America, Cuba, and Africa,” said Ellise. “I couldn’t be prouder of our dancers – they all worked so hard to impress myself and Lucy and the judges.

“We helped each dancer build their technique, skills, and confidence. The excitement when we won was incredible, and we couldn’t be happier. Being a leader has really made me realise how much I enjoy House Dance. I can’t wait to be a leader next year!”

Holkham House came second with ‘USA Tour’, where dancers performed to ‘California’ by Katy Perry, ‘Miami’ by WIll Smith, ‘Alexander Hamilton’ from Hamilton the Musical, and ‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus.

“It’s great to see lots of students participating from all years, with a range of dance experience,” added Mrs Paulo. “For some students, this was their first time performing on our stage, and others are experienced performers.

“It has been lovely to witness some of our Year 7 students emerging and shining bright, along with our older students who now command the stage.

“The students love being part of the show. There’s so much energy and buzz in the room.”