The 2020 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show marked a poignant moment in the school’s history, becoming the last public performance held at the Brighton Dome before the UK entered lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Held across Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, this year’s show was a powerful celebration of talent, creativity, and resilience. Despite the growing concerns around the pandemic, the students and staff came together to deliver two nights of unforgettable performances, making the show a special part of the school’s legacy.
A Show to Remember in Uncertain Times
With the looming threat of lockdown, there was uncertainty around whether the show could go on, yet the students and staff moved forward with determination. The Friday and Saturday performances carried an extra layer of emotion, as each dancer took the stage knowing that this might be their last chance to perform for some time. The energy and commitment displayed by the students were palpable, and each routine brought something unique to the stage.
The show opened with “Sneak Peak”, a high-energy number that set the stage for the wide variety of performances to follow. Some of the standout pieces included:
• “Rainbow Serpent” – Choreographed by Clara Bowden, this visually stunning performance explored Aboriginal mythology, bringing the legend of the Rainbow Snake to life through captivating movements and storytelling.
• “Organised Chaos” – This fast-paced, dynamic piece featured a combination of bold choreography and playful energy, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
• “The Accused” – Choreographed by Lucia Daly, this powerful performance explored themes of injustice, drawing from real-life stories of wrongful imprisonment. The dancers’ ability to convey such complex emotions through movement made this one of the most moving performances of the evening.
A Night Full of Emotion and Expression
The second half of the show continued with a mix of vibrant, energetic routines and thought-provoking pieces. Each performance showcased the dancers’ technical skill and emotional depth, with routines that both entertained and left the audience reflecting on the powerful messages within the choreography.
A highlight of the night was the Leavers’ Bows, as the Year 11 students took their final bow on stage. This longstanding tradition was especially poignant in 2020, as the leavers marked the end of their school dance journey in the shadow of the impending lockdown. Their final performance, set to “We Will Rock You”, was a celebratory yet bittersweet moment, with the entire cast joining them on stage for one last collective bow.
DIRECTOR:
Chloe Sampson
CHOREOGRAPHERS:
Chloe Sampson & Amy Fitzgerald
ADDITIONAL CHOREOGRAPHY:
Ellie Bishop-Williams, Will Timpson & Dance Captains
STAGE MANAGERS:
Katie Booth, Paul Watson, Tazmin Broadstock
COSTUMES/PROPS:
Chloe Sampson
LIGHTING/SOUND:
Dome staff
LIGHTING DESIGN:
Chloe Sampson & Amy Fitzgerald
FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY:
Charlie Mansfield-Osborne
BACKSTAGE:
P.E. Staff, Daisy Addison, Annette Bento, Shirley Eborn, Deb Ettinger, Claire Roberts, Tassia Rosenberg, Bronagh Shevlin.
EX PUPILS:
Violet Aitchison, Holly Farmer, Maia Faulkner, Charlotte Hughes, Lula Lucas, Julia McEvoy, Bronnie Osborn-Jones, Flo Osborn-Jones, Radha Singh, Elina Wates.
ADMINISTRATION/ORDERS:
Sarah Norris
TICKET SALES:
The Dome Box Office
POSTER/PROGRAMME DESIGN:
Malcolm Kemp
Behind the Curtain
Behind the scenes the stage management team played a vital role in ensuring the seamless execution of the event, coordinating every detail of the production. Despite the challenging circumstances, the technical team and backstage crew delivered a professional-grade show, supported by the expertise of the Brighton Dome staff. Their efforts allowed the dancers to focus on their performances and give their all on stage.
Reflections and Gratitude
While the pandemic loomed large, the 2020 show remains a testament to the resilience of the students and staff of Dorothy Stringer School. Chloe Sampson and Amy Fitzgerald expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the event possible, from the technical staff and stage crew to the supportive parents and school community. Special recognition was given to the students, whose dedication and passion shone through in every performance, despite the uncertainty of the world outside.
Order Your 2020 DVD
Relive the magic and emotion of the 2020 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show with the official 2020 DVD. This high-quality recording captures all of the performances from Friday and Saturday, preserving these unforgettable moments for you to enjoy time and time again. Don’t miss out—order your DVD today and take home a piece of this historic event.
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