Primary Schools Dance Festival is a huge success!

1st June 2022

We spent Tuesday 24 and Thursday 26 May in great company at the Belvoir Players Theatre in Castlreagh. Over the festival we were joined by 135 very eager children from Holy Rosary Primary School, Glenwood Primary School, Finaghy Primary School and Penrythn Prep.

For many it was their first school trip so the excitement levels were high. They enjoyed a backstage tour and took real delight in experiencing the lights, sound and vast stage in a professional theatre.

The children also got creative with dance-inspired crafts, enjoyed a healthy snack and joined an energetic warm up. Then, after they had taken a bow, they sat back to experience a performance by professional dancer and Belfast Boys director, Sean O’Neill.

Feedback from the teachers was positive, “They absolutely loved every minute of it. Developing not only the dance skills but their confidence and self esteem.” One young participant enthused, “My best trip ever!! It was so fun! It was just woah! I loved being on stage. I was so excited to perform in a big theatre. It was fun watching the other dances from other schools. I loved when everyone applauded for us as I was so nervous. Then I wasn’t nervous.”

Thanks to all the team at Belvoir Players for making everyone so welcome and to Marie O’Donoghue, DU Dance (NI) board member, who presented the certificates for her time and supportive closing words to the budding dancers.