To kick off its Grand Family Festival running this week, the Grand Opera House together with partner, Phoenix Energy invited local community groups to attend a High Energy Dance Workshop on Monday 19 August 2024.
Youth groups from Sandy Row Falcons Cheerleaders and the OC. Crew were among the young people who danced their way to the main stage for the workshop, where they followed in footsteps of the illustrious Charlie Chaplin, Luciano Pavarotti and Darcey Bussell inside Frank Matcham’s stunning auditorium.
Under the guidance of professional dance facilitator, Óran Clarke, the young people explored a mixture of street, musical theatre and contemporary dance, while learning a new interpretation of choreography to musical theatre song Revolting Children from Matilda The Musical.
Speaking about the High Energy Dance Workshop, Ian Wilson, Grand Opera House Chief Executive said:
“Yesterday young people arrived at the Grand Opera House where they took to the stage as part of our Phoenix High Energy Dance Workshop facilitated by Óran Clarke.
“At the Grand Opera House, we are embedded in the local community and proud that we can offer opportunities for young people to learn more about musical theatre and dance techniques. Knowing we are not just sparking creativity with young people, but also working towards a more vibrant community where the arts are accessible to everyone is very rewarding.
“Following the success of the dance workshop, we look forward to adding more opportunities for creative expression and community engagement as part of the Theatre’s ongoing Creative Learning and Outreach programme.”
Emma McConkey, Responsible Business Champion at Phoenix Energy said:
“We are very proud of our partnership with the Grand Opera House, and seeing the creativity of young people be ignited is testament to the power of community and the arts.
“Witnessing young talent light up the stage and express themselves through dance is both inspiring and rewarding. We’re proud to support an initiative that energizes our community, by providing a platform for creativity and growth.”
The Grand Opera House Grand Family Festival in partnership with Phoenix Energy, runs from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 August 2024.
The full line-up of Grand Family Festival events can be found on the Grand Opera House website with remaining tickets limited: goh.co.uk/grand-family-festival.