The 2023 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show continued the proud tradition of showcasing the extraordinary talent of the students at Dorothy Stringer School. Directed by Chloe Sampson & Ellie Bishop Williams and held on Saturday 18th March at the Brighton Dome, this year’s show was an exciting and powerful celebration of creativity, with dancers delivering a wide range of performances from thought-provoking contemporary pieces to high-energy jazz routines. The week was especially busy as the Dome also hosted Let’s Dance, managed by Katie Booth, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for both shows.
With Let’s Dance and the Dorothy Stringer Dance Show happening back-to-back, the Dome was buzzing with energy, making it a week filled with dance, excitement, and long days for everyone involved. The performances in both shows were a testament to the dedication of the dancers, leaving the audience with lasting memories of two spectacular events.
A Showcase of Talent and Creativity
The 2023 show opened with “Rhythm is a Dancer!”, an upbeat and energetic routine performed by a selection of dancers from various groups, setting the tone for a night of dynamic performances. The first half of the show featured a mix of styles, with dancers showcasing their technical skill and creativity.
Some standout performances from the first half included:
• “Living Nightmare” – Choreographed by Jess Evans, this piece used a bed as a starting point to explore the theme of nightmares, bringing haunting imagery to life on stage.
• “Throne” – A bold and powerful piece choreographed by Alexis Religa, which explored themes of power and hierarchy. The dancers’ sharp, commanding movements created a striking visual interpretation of these concepts.
• “Pon de Replay” – A high-energy routine by Project Female Dance Company, choreographed by Ellie Bishop-Williams and Zoe Warren, which combined commercial dance styles and infectious enthusiasm, making it a crowd favorite.
Emotion and Power in Every Movement
The second half of the show continued to deliver a wide range of performances, from playful commercial numbers to deeply emotional contemporary pieces. Each performance told its own unique story, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Notable performances from the second half included:
• “Visions in the Night” – Choreographed by Emily Slater, this GCSE piece used a bed as its central motif to explore the surreal world of dreams. The dancers captured the eerie nature of dreams with grace and precision.
• “Black Swan” – Performed by the Ballet Club, this modern interpretation of Swan Lake added a powerful edge to the classic tale, with intricate choreography that showcased the technical skills of the dancers.
• “The Victims of Fred & Rose” – A deeply emotional piece choreographed by Cissy Newsham, inspired by the victims of Fred and Rose West. The dancers handled the difficult subject matter with care, creating a moving tribute.
The night culminated in the traditional Leavers’ Bows, as the Year 11 students took their final bow on stage to “Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas. The final performance was a celebratory and joyful moment, marking the end of the students’ time in the dance show, as the entire cast joined them on stage for one last bow.
The excitement from Let’s Dance, which had taken place earlier in the week, added to the atmosphere of celebration, making the week a standout for everyone involved. Learn more about Let’s Dance 2023 here.
DIRECTORS:
Chloe Sampson & Ellie Bishop-Williams
CHOREOGRAPHERS:
Chloe Sampson & Ellie Bishop-Williams
STAGE MANAGERS:
Katie Booth, Paul Watson,
Tazmin Broadstock & Patrick Corrigan
COSTUMES/PROPS:
Chloe Sampson & Ellie Bishop-Williams
LIGHTING/SOUND:
Dome staff
LIGHTING DESIGN:
Chloe Sampson & Ellie Bishop-Williams
FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY:
Charlie Mansfield-Osborne
BACKSTAGE:
Adam Brown, Jonty Freeman, James Gill, Rob Haggart, Natalka Leznewski, Wayne Potbury, Emma Rothman, Patch Schooley.
EX-PUPILS:
Bella Beecham-Wright, Daisy Bran, India Bradbury, Rio Crockett, Destiny Devlin, Rhianna English, Edie Haisell, Mary Kelly, Dexter Kingham, Ella Letton, Mirai Locke, Iris MacLure, Claudie Mergler, Amelie Morris-Blake, Ava Perring, Blu Sadler, Katy Saunders, Barney Sherratt, Darcey Woolley
ADMINISTRATION/ORDERS:
Sarah Norris
COMMUNICATIONS:
Katie Booth, Erin Brown, Melanie Chrisp & Bubbles Robinson
TICKET SALES:
The Dome Box Office
POSTER/PROGRAMME DESIGN:
Malcolm Kemp
Behind the Scenes
The success of the 2023 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show was due in large part to the efforts of the backstage team and technical staff.
The dedication of the Dorothy Stringer School staff and the support of parents and carers were also key to the event’s success. Their commitment to the students ensured that everything behind the scenes was handled with care, giving the performers the confidence to shine on stage.
Special Thanks
Directors Chloe Sampson and Ellie Bishop-Williams expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2023 show. The Brighton Dome staff were acknowledged for their technical expertise, while the parents were recognized for their support throughout the rehearsal process. Most importantly, the students were commended for their hard work, passion, and creativity, which were evident in every performance.
Order Your 2023 DVD
Relive the magic of the 2023 Dorothy Stringer Dance Show with the official 2023 DVD. This high-quality recording captures all the performances from the evening, allowing you to enjoy the show again and again. Don’t miss out—order your DVD today and take home a piece of this unforgettable night.
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