Dance

Hip-Hop with Hype

As soon as we enter the Tapton Gym, the sound of loud hip-hop music hits us along with the sight of about 45 eager and enthusiastic Y7 students. The group of boys and girls were to be seen executing and performing complex move to the highest standard. They were fortunate enough to be taught by a specialist dance teacher from Hype Dance. Along with the students, PE teacher Mr. Davis was seen to be participating willingly and was quoted to be having a “good time”.

Feedback was extremely positive from the students involved. Having interviewed one of each gender, they said that they both “enjoyed” the experience because it “wasn't like usual lessons and it was a laugh”. We asked a Y7 girl, Michaela if she would consider taking up dance for leisure, she replied “definitely!”

So, overall it looks as if the students were enjoying their dance session and when we left the room they were perfecting and adding extra moves to their already impressive routine.

By Lauren and Florence (Y8)

Streetwise Sevens

We found ourselves in the PE department, watching on as angelic Y7's street danced to modern rap music as instructed by a young dance teacher employed for the day.

The room was chaotic, many year sevens all dancing at different paces.

But, the chaos was entertaining, as we watched a dance battle between “east side” and “west side” break out. East side took to the floor first, while west side watched them curiously. Then it was west side's turn to take the floor and show east side what they were made of.

We later interviewed Caroline, an east sider, who told us she was enjoying the day and enjoying her dance lesson. She said “I don't think the boys find it embarrassing because they are pretending to be “gangsta” and stuff” which summed up the whole concept of the dance lesson in one sentence!

The dance was full of “gangsta” type poses and positions, and everyone loved it. Caroline continued to say, “Everyone is enjoying it and everyone's just having a laugh,” which was also said by Sam, another east sider. Both were not afraid to show their moves, but Sam told us “I think the boys are shyer than the girls.”

But we thought, as the lesson went on, they were soon showing their full potential and evidently having fun. As was everyone there, especially Mr.Davis!

By Josie and Fran Y9