Christchurch Dance Festival 2025: A Joyful Celebration of Movement and Imagination
This year’s festival brought together nearly 400 students from 12 Christchurch primary schools and 3 secondary schools. Each group contributed their own unique take on our vibrant theme: Intergalactic. From shimmering stars to space explorers, the performances lit up the stage with energy and storytelling. The creative journey began with space-themed workshops delivered by Christina Binney in each primary school. These workshops sparked ideas, movement, and collaboration, forming the foundation for the dances showcased in the final performances.
On Thursday 3rd July, all participating schools gathered at the De La Salle Theatre for the Festival Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform for one another in a supportive, celebratory atmosphere, which left them buzzing for more!
The excitement continued with two spectacular Evening Showcases, held on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July. These performances gave the young dancers a chance to shine once more, this time in front of proud families and friends. The joy, confidence, and teamwork on display were truly heartwarming. We were thrilled to welcome over 800+ audience members to the theatre over the two evenings!
We were also proud to share the Dorset SEN Dance Festival film during the event, a powerful reminder that dance is for everyone, of all ages and abilities. For more information and to watch the Dorset SEN Dance Festival film, please click here.
12 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, 3 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 3 PERFORMANCES IN A PROFESSIONAL THEATRE, 400+ CHILDREN INVOLVED, 800+ AUDIENCE MEMBERS!
- A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and teaching assistants who made this festival possible. Your time spent choreographing, rehearsing, designing costumes, and most importantly, inspiring your children, has brought this event to life. Your dedication is what makes the festival so magical and memorable.
- Thank you to the three Secondary Schools involved, who offer inspiring examples of how dance can continue throughout a young person’s educational journey.
- Thank you to St Peter’s School and the amazing theatre team for hosting this year’s events.
- Thanks also to the teachers and children involved in the Dorset SEN Dance Festival 2025 film, your contribution is both inspiring and deserving, celebrating inclusion and creativity.
- A special thank you to Dan Moody, whose continued support through the Christchurch School Sports Partnership has made these opportunities possible.
Christchurch Dance Festival 2025 was more than a performance, it was a celebration of young people expressing themselves through movement, and we couldn’t be prouder of every dancer who took part!
