The Abbey Gate College
Gymnastics and Dance Display - Summer Term 2010
Following on from last year’s success of the Gymnastics Display and this year’s success of the Year 8 gymnasts at the Chester and District gymnastics championships, the PE department was once again keen to show the quality of the Colleges gymnasts and dancers to parents and staff. This year’s display was an even bigger success with the combination of gymnastics, street dance and modern dance giving the event a new and exciting look.
Practice started in January 2010 and took a positive step towards the final production, which included pupils from all ages across the College. The participation level was doubled compared with last year, with over 50 pupils involved. The age range was vast; pupils from 7-16 years of age took part, which is a fantastic achievement for the College. Each individual, paired sequence, individual dance and group dance was performed to music, which inspired all pupils and gave them focus and rhythm to execute their performances to an extremely high standard.
On the night of the display, everyone involved performed to their potential, from those who were involved with last year’s display to those who have never performed to an audience before. The number of spectators almost trebled from last year, with almost 130 people supporting the event.
All pupils used skills learnt from lesson time, after school club and club gymnastics/dance, which once again enabled the display to have variety, imagination, creativity and commitment. Due to the high number of individuals involved with the display it is very difficult to single out specific routines to compliment. All pupils deserve praise and rewards for their achievements, from those who danced as a group to those who performed individual gymnastic sequences.
To end the display, a five minute vaulting performance was fantastically executed by 18 gymnasts. Similar to last year, this finale was energetic, upbeat and thoroughly entertaining for all involved. I hope all pupils enjoyed the occasion and I hope they will all be keen to show their skills and ideas during next years display in April 2011, I know some individuals are already thinking of new ideas.
Finally, a huge thank you must be given to all pupils and staff who helped with rehearsals and on the night of the display, as this would not have been the success it was without you.
Mr G Barton