Kids from Marley Hill school hone their skills
More than 2,000 proud parents and relatives are expected to watch the 15th annual Gateshead Dance Festival, where local children will tackle some weighty issues through the medium of dance.
Around 1,600 primary school children from across Gateshead are involved in the event, which is spread over two days (14-15 March) at Maple Hall, Gateshead Leisure Centre.
This year the event has two main themes: Abolition of Slavery (slavery, freedom and hope) and Design and patterns.
The Skipping Festival is part of the Healthy Schools initiative, which comprises a range of other events organised by Gateshead Council including the Skipping, Line Dancing and Primary Athletics Festivals.
Councillor Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“We’re hoping this will be the biggest and best dance festival yet. The children have been working hard on their routines and will be looking forward to the final event.
“The festival will also give children the chance to get active and this is a great way of helping them to stay healthy.”
Pam Gibb, dance co-ordinator at Marley Hill Community Primary school said the children at her school had been rehearsing for the last 6 weeks.
“It really is great exercise for the kids but it also gets them thinking about complex issues such as slavery, which is the theme of our routine.
“It lets the children learn how to be more creative and get involved in something positive and healthy after school,” she said.
Tickets cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children/concessions.
Performance times:
Wednesday 14 March 1.30pm to 3.15pm (approx)
Wednesday 14 March 6.00pm to 7.30pm (approx)
Thursday 15 March 1.30pm to 3.15pm (approx)
Thursday 15 March 6.00pm to 7.30pm (approx)