On Monday 18 March, New Hall School’s Dance Department presented their annual Senior Divisions’ dance show at Chelmsford Theatre, with this year’s theme ‘Feel the Beat’.

Led by Head of Dance, Mrs Sarah Molina, who is now her fourteenth year in this role, students from Year 7 to Year 13 performed dance styles from ballet to tap, lyrical to jazz, and even musical theatre!

Audience members were awe struck by the professionalism talent, energy, and incredible suppleness of our dancers. From reflective numbers such as ‘Mad World’ (Year 7 & 8 contemporary group) to the showstopping ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ (advanced musical theatre jazz group), each dance number highlighted the incredible ability of each of the dancers. A particularly memorable section of the dance show was ‘Letters of War’, performed the Musical Theatre Vocal Group. Inspiration for this piece was taken from letters written by Visiting Music Teacher Mrs Wilkinson’s grandparents during the Second World War. It was a moving performance followed by the Advanced Dance Company performing ‘Women of War’, which has recently received high recognition at various dance competitions.

The inclusion of a student band onstage was a great additional dimension to this year’s show. Complete with drums, bass guitar, singers and a horn section, students from New Hall’s Music Department accompanied their equally talented peers in thirteen out of thirty-two numbers. Students commented on how the experience of performing in a professional theatre with full technical sound equipment made them feel as though they were professional musicians.

New Hall’s dancers have represented Team England at the 2022 and 2023 Dance World Cups, as well as performed in professional West End productions.

Congratulations to all our dancers and musicians, and to all those who choreographed, directed, and produced the show, especially Mrs Molina, Head of Dance, for yet another successful dance show.