Pupils from St Ivo Academy school in St Ives have been working with professional dancers from Vanhulle Dance Theatre, as part of a boys’ dance project. Funded by Arts Council England, Oliver Robert Russell and Laura Vanhulle from Vanhulle Dance Theatre have been working with boys from Years 7, 8 and 9, since July.
St Ivo Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, has a core group of boys who enjoy the performing arts.
Lindsay McAdam, head of dance at St Ivo Academy said: “A huge well done to all boys involved; we are so proud of everything you have achieved!
“We hope this will build a new and exciting working collaboration between Vanhulle Dance Theatre and St Ivo dance department.”
The dance workshops have focussed on the boys developing their creative and choreographic skills and learning new movement phrases, inspired by martial arts and contemporary dance styles.
The students have had the chance to work alongside a professional male dancer as part of the project and will be performing their dance “Descend” at the dance department’s annual production of “Ivolution”, at St Ivo Academy on the 5th and 6th December.
Featuring more than 150 students from BTEC Level 2 and 3 courses, extra-curricular clubs, and the Vanhulle Dance Theatre project, “Ivolution” will showcase students of all ages and abilities to share their love of dancing and performing.
Students will perform a range of dance styles including commercial, street dance, contemporary, ballet and jazz choreographed by both staff and students. Local year 6 pupils from neighbouring primary schools will get the opportunity to watch the matinee performance, followed by friends and family at the evening performances.
Tony Meneaurgh, interim principal at St Ivo Academy said: “Students have been working incredibly hard since the summer to produce some extremely high-level work which we are very excited to showcase.
“It’s so important that we are able to offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities like these. I hope many parents, carers and friends will be able to enjoy our dancers’ success at our 10th “Ivolution” show”.
