We have had a tremendous year to remember at Reigate School of Ballet & Commercial Dance, with a packed series of events for our children to enjoy and experience. The opportunities given to our pupils has been so diverse and we are so happy to be able to offer these on-going events at our school.
They range from ballet and tap exams, to professional gigs alongside Pasha Kovalev (for the THIRD YEAR RUNNING), Royal Albert Hall, Class Act, our MINI shows, Move Revolution Summer Dance Extravaganza, 6 days of Summer Schools, School Fairs, Classes opening in Merstham, Christmas performances (2 at the Belfry) and our regular Reigate Christmas Lights and workshops! In terms of theatre time, some pupils who take several classes per week have been at the Harlequin Theatre performing 7 times this year (and this is not our MAIN SHOW year!) - I can forgive some parents for thinking they need a season ticket at this venue :)
1. THE MAGIC OF HOLLYWOOD
Our 3rd performance with Pasha to date, and this crowd really 'performed' this year. They performed in numerous locations also, which made the experience even more worthwhile.
2. EASTER SCHOOL
Our busy 2-day Easter performing school had over 80 children attending. Here are some of our lovely kids in action.
3. BALLET, TAP & MODERN EXAMS
We are proud of our dance examination successes at Reigate, with over 200 children taking ballet, tap and modern ISTD examinations this year over 6 days. All our classes and children cover the levels and grades at I.S.T.D. level, under the careful eye of Miss Evans and her team.
4. ROYAL ALBERT HALL
What an experience - a real professional experience on a world renowned stage. They did the school extremely proud. What more is there to say!
5. CLASS ACT - Promoting the Arts in local Schools
Class Act this year was a bumper year for donations to our local primary schools, with a record amount being donated to all participants from the proceeds of the shows. As well as bringing local schools in, Class Act gives many of our soloists (dancers, singers and actors) the chance to perform in a professional theatre.
6. RSB and REIGATE ST MARY'S
Our collaboration with Reigate St Mary's School was a first this year, with our Pasha, soloists and Starlight Musical Theatre groups all being given opportunities to perform.
7. RSB "MINI" show
As our Ballet and Tappers were busy with their examination work, we organised two "mini" shows at the harlequin Redhill for our other dance classes - street dance, modern, contemporary, musical theatre and acrobatic dance. They all performed amazingly well especially as we never had a dress rehearsal for them. The evening performance in particular showed great work.
8. THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Organised by Genesis and Reigate Dance Centre, our auditions saw over 100 people over 2 days. The response was overwhelming and we were thrilled with the talent on offer. Rehearsals for this full scale production will start in September - we can't wait!
9. WEST END THEATRE TRIP
A whole new world was encountered by 50 children who went to see Aladdin in the West End. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and reinforces their learning by watching live performances of top performers at a reduced rate.
10. ALADDIN WORKSHOP
And to follow up our Theatre trip, we had an Aladdin workshop for West End cast member Arran, who taught extract from the current show to all our lucky little stars.
11. DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Another first for RSB, with our first ever drama only show. This was a very thought provoking performance and a great addition to the Starlight Performing Arts events.
12. BELFRY SHOPPING CENTRE with Strictly's James & Olla
Since the 50th Anniversary, the Belfry asked us back to do a 20 minute show during the opening of their Christmas Lights in 2017, and this was a huge gig, with Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers James and Olla Jordan making an appearance. We loved it!
13. REIGATE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Our regular Christmas Lights appearance in Reigate is always a favourite with the children, and our set included Starlight Musical Theatre, Senior Street Dance and Scholarship dancers.
14. BELFRY REDHILL - CHRISTMAS CAROLS
A third Christmas performance and a welcome one. Our junior Starlighter's sang their hearts out at the Belfry, and it lifted the spirits of the Belfry shoppers.
15. DADDY & DAUGHTER DANCE
This was a great way for dads to get involved, and we had 3 age groups (children :) ) that performed with their dads, and a memorable experience all-round. We hope to do this again soon.
16. MERSTHAM DANCE CLASSES OPENING
We were thrilled to be asked to organise dance classes at the brand new Merstham Hub this year, offering toddler dance, street dance, ballet and acrobatic dance.
17. FAIRS - LOTS OF THEM!
We consider school fairs an avenue for extra performing for our school clubs other classes (as well as the above), and these are just as important for learning to perform in front of an audience and show those smiling white teeth. We did so many fairs, but as we had 2 or more on the same day during some weeks, we couldn't get everybody's photos - the live performance is the important bit!!
18. FREE TODDLER DANCE AT REIGATE PRIORY PARK (ALL YEAR)
We continue to support Reigate Priory by offering completely free dance sessions for little ones in Priory Park most of the year.
....and the following to come before September....
19. MOVE REVOLUTION
Spreading the Sunshine - Move Revolution this year will be in Priory park on the 23rd, 24th & 25th July. Fun and dance activities for everyone for FREE! See you there.
20. SUMMER SCHOOLS
Our popular summer schools continue to thrive, and we're offering two 3-day summer schools for children aged between 4 and 11 in age specific groups. Fun packed drama plays, with musical theatre numbers based on a well-known story, plus the usual extras such as Acro and other styles of dance. Based in the heart of Reigate from 10 - 3pm every day. Book now as we are filling up fast.
AND FINALLY....
Many thanks to you, our ever-supportive parents for everything you have done - chauffeuring, chaperoning, extra classes etc. You make our school what it is today, since it started back in 1963 under Shirley Knight & Penny Lambert.
Thank you and we look forward to yet another bumper year of activities.
The RSB team.