Amidst the soaring temperatures in London last weekend, something magical was happening at the Royal Opera House on Saturday 21st of June 2025. KS2 from NJS were taking part in “A Chance to Dance” inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland. Chance to Dance is an initiative provided by the Royal Ballet Company that tours England’s schools and creates the opportunity for children of all backgrounds, gender and social circumstances to experience the arts and wonders of dance, in particular Ballet. The initiative breaks down barriers, stereotypes and exposes children to dance culture, the joy of performing and expressing themselves through movement. Allowing them ownership of how they express themselves through co-choreography of their performance, understanding and developing the techniques of dance, who may never have otherwise, had the chance. Ultimately allowing children to just have fun and feel alive and enthused about dance and the arts.
Seven of our lucky NJS pupils, (all of differing dance levels and experience) earned a place on the programme and demonstrated musicality, passion and great storytelling in their section of the show which was “A Topsy Turvy Tea Party”. In their psychedelic t-shirts the children performed as a variety of animals who came to visit the tea party, which was a colourful, tie dye experience hosted by the famous, ludicrous character the Cheshire Cat.
Our pupils danced and performed beautifully in two showings, in front of their families, friends and paying customers of London. They did our whole campus and community proud and we are very excited to see if these children will continue to pursue their new or ongoing interest in ballet and the arts in the future! Well done Crew Norton, you were a joy to watch and what a fabulous experience and opportunity for you all to have, dancing amongst professional dancers in the elite and prestigious Royal Opera House. This will be something that our children will remember forever and Norton Campus would like to extend a huge thanks to the organisers of Chance to Dance and Miss Wendy from our local Hazelbiz Dance Academy and Miss Rachel, Miss Chloe and Miss Sian from Doncaster Legacy Company and of course Monique Jonas and Jacob Wye, the professional dancers that came to rehearse with and inspire our pupils.
