At the Step into Dance extravaganza

On 19 April, Carmit Bachar (artist, performer, television personality and ex-Pussycat Doll) showed heart-warming support for young dancers on the Step into Dance programme as they had their moment to shine at the Wandsworth, Step into Dance extravaganza.

Her message to the students was: ‘believe in yourself, work hard and you can achieve!’

The event buzzed with energy and excitement with a range of dance styles on show including musical theatre, contemporary and street dance. Carmit treated the students to a thrilling rendition of ‘Don’t Cha’ in which she got the entire audience singing with her.

Also present at the event was Mark Summers (Casting and Creative Director, Mark Summers Agency), Kirsty Swain (finalist on So You Think You Can Dance – Season 2 and Step into Dance SEN Patron) and Trudy Kilcullen from The Jack Petchey Foundation.

Kirsty is a remarkable role model for the students, having pursued a successful dance career despite having a hearing impairment. Kirsty’s poignant words to the performers: ‘we all have the ability, let your gift’s shine through and you will overcome obstacles.’

The event, hosted by Ashcroft Technology Academy, is one of ten regional borough events taking place across London. Students aged 11 to 16 from five local schools gathered to compete for the opportunity to perform at Step Live! 2013, Step into Dance’s flagship celebratory event to be held at Sadler’s Wells on 14 July.

Dedicated Step into Dance teachers have been working with students each week to help them prepare for the borough event, which is a showcase of the dancers’ hard work and an opportunity for them to share their achievements with fellow students, family and friends.

Taylor-Kae Knowtt from Southfields School comments: ‘I have been dancing since I was three years old, Street Dance allows me to express myself and gives me focus. My Step into Dance teacher, Marcio Salvador, is really someone to look up to; he has helped nurture my talent.’

Southfields School with Carmit Bachar and Kirsty Swain, photo by Foteini Christofilopoulou

Clare O’Brien, teacher from St Cecilia’s Church of England School comments: ‘Step into Dance has been such a valuable asset to our school. Without our Step into Dance teacher we would not have been able to provide such quality dance teaching within our school.’

A partnership project between the Royal Academy of Dance and The Jack Petchey Foundation, Step into Dance is the biggest inclusive secondary school community dance programme in the UK and is unique in offering sustained training and performance opportunities throughout the academic year to 200 schools across London and Essex.

April 18, 2013