Summer Camps... Over and Out!

I'm writing this on the first day of our new term and a new academic year. Whilst all focus is now on the weeks ahead, I'm taking a break from planning to reflect on a brilliant summer of dancing.

We had our busiest summer yet, with more children than ever coming along for some summer dancing fun! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting lots of new faces as well as having many of our students attend our various summer camps.

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We had camps for 4.5-7years and 8-13years, as well as a Dance Intensive for 8-13years. My favourite part of holiday programmes is seeing friendships develop through dance throughout the week.

To give an example from our Dance Intensive: on the first day at lunchtime, all the children sat separately with their familiar friends. By the final day, they were all sitting together as one big group. The children themselves picked up on this, commenting how nice it was and recognising the connections they'd formed.

Of course I want the children to learn and practise dance skills in the summer, but for me more important is the social aspect. At camp, the children are there for 4 hours: dancing, socialising, connecting, and being free from screens. I saw them gaining confidence, trying new activities, collaborating, showing kindness and enjoying their summer through dancing. Every single child conducted themselves beautifully, and all those who came along this summer should be so proud.

Focus now turns back to our term-time classes and more exciting plans to look forward to... let's go!