Dance students take part in virtual workshops with West End stars

Students meeting Rapunzel in a Tangled themed workshop.

More than 120 dance students have enjoyed a virtual workshop week featuring West End stars and industry professionals.

The Charlotte Jacqueline School of Dance pupils enjoyed more than ten different workshops in a variety of different styles via Zoom.

The week started with a puppeteering and musical theatre workshop with Tara Harris, professional actress and lead puppeteer of ZOG – The UK Tour.

Older students were then treated to a TikTok workshop with professional dancer Jonathan Mawson.

On Tuesday whole families came together to have a try at family yoga’, a taster session led by London based teacher Annie Nicoll.

Students were also able to gain expert tuition in drama and musical theatre from Kieran Brown, professional actor for over 25 years whose credits include Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked.

During the week there was also a Tangled workshop with Julz Taylor, while older students enjoyed learning and having a go at street dancing with professional dancer Lucy Attwell.

Thursday was the pinnacle day, as students enjoyed a workshop in the popular West End show – We Will Rock You!

Professional dancer, Danielle Cato inspired students by teaching them some choreography from the hit show and student then had chance to ask Danielle questions about life as a professional performer and living life on stage.

Principal Charlotte Porter said: “It’s been so wonderful being able to provide such an exciting week for students of all ages.

“Normally many of these artists would be performing professionally or rehearsing for shows so it’s being great knowing we can help provide work for all the professional artists involved at this difficult time.

“We’ve been so inspired this week that we topped it off by making a donation to The Show Must Go On – Theatre Support Fund.”

For anyone else interested in supporting artists and theatres through the coronavirus pandemic can make a donation here: https://theatresupportfund.co.uk/