04 March 2025
Last night, Exceed Learning Partnership hosted its first ever Festival of Dance, bringing together pupils from across its 9 primary academies for an evening of vibrant performances based on the theme, ‘A Night At The Movies’.
Held at Hall Cross Academy’s Upper Site, the event showcased a diverse range of dance styles, reflecting the pupils’ dedication and creativity as they took part in an evening of performances. Over the past 6 weeks, the academies have been working with Legacy Sport Yorkshire in order to create a dance routine based on the music from a popular film. We saw performances based on classics such as Grease, The Lion King and Mary Poppins as well as more contemporary picks such as Wicked and Moana. High School Musical, The Greatest Showman, Shrek and Matilda were also represented at the event.
Beryce Nixon OBE, the CEO of Exceed Learning Partnership, spoke at the event, saying that “At our Trust, we firmly believe that the arts are not just an extracurricular activity, but an essential part of a well-rounded education. Dance nurtures confidence, builds resilience, fosters teamwork, and allows our pupils to express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot. It provides them with a voice, a stage, and an opportunity to shine - and shine they certainly have”.
During the show, attendees were treated to a guest performance from DK Cheer - a local cheerleading team who represent the Doncaster Knights. Also present at the event were a range of dignitaries such as Mayor Ros Jones, Councillor Sue Farmer as well as Governors and Directors associated with the Trust. Director Pat Hagan said that "Last night's Festival of Dance was a phenomenal celebration of talent, creativity, and teamwork. Seeing our pupils perform with such passion and confidence was truly inspiring. Events like these embody the spirit of Exceed Learning Partnership - providing opportunities for every child to shine and succeed. A huge thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible!"
The festival not only highlighted the artistic talents within the Trust but also reinforced its commitment to fostering a rich cultural education and support of the arts in regards to this. Parents, staff, and community members in attendance praised the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the young dancers, making the evening a resounding success.