First Half: A Journey Begins
The evening kicked off with "The Untold," a stirring opener set to Secession Studios' haunting track of the same name. Featuring a selection of dancers from across the programme, this piece wove a thread of mystery and emotion, setting the stage for a remarkable night.
Standout performances from the first half included:
- "Stormz" – Upper Contemporary Club ignited the stage with Chase & Status and Stormzy's Backbone, delivering a bold, rhythmic showcase of strength and unity.
- "Slick" – Choreographed by Lottie Thorpe, this GCSE piece tackled oil slicks contaminating water, inspired by the "Fossil Fuels" theme. Set to Nathan Lanier's Go, dancers Suzie Ali, Eve Allen, Darcey Creed, and Lottie Thorpe blended fluidity with impact.
- "Run From The Devil" – The fifth piece saw the Gifted & Talented On Pointe Dance Company bring Raury's Devil's Whisper to life. Its dark, mesmerizing choreography left a lasting mark on the audience.
- "ABBAlicious" – Project Female Commercial Company, led by Ellie Bishop-Williams, turned ABBA's Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Mamma Mia!, and Voulez-Vous into a remix-driven burst of joy and energy.
- "Connected" – Eve Allen's GCSE choreography explored the Victorian telephone's impact on human connection, set to Nils Frahm's #2. It offered a thoughtful, moving reflection.
The first half wrapped with high-energy numbers like "Enemies" by the Boys' RAW Contemporary Club and the soulful "Feeling Good" by Upper Jazz Club, priming the crowd for more.
Second Half: Depth and Celebration
The second half opened with "The Lake Revisited," a stunning reimagining of Swan Lake by the Ballet Club. Fusing Tchaikovsky's Op. 20, Act 2.No10 with Exsire's remix, this piece bridged tradition and innovation with breathtaking grace.
Highlights from the second half included:
- "My$tery Inc." – Three street dance groups faced off to a medley of Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West tracks. Choreographed by the dancers, this battle pulsed with raw energy and personality.
- "Behind The Lens" – Bella Austin's GCSE piece, inspired by the Victorian camera, unraveled a family portrait's hidden story. Set to Yann Tiersen's Comptine d'un autre été, l'après-midi, it was tender and evocative.
- "Shot Me Down" – On Pointe Dance Company returned with Audio Bullys' Shot You Down (Feat. Nancy Sinatra), delivering a fierce, cinematic performance that electrified the Dome.
- "Drip Drip" – Upper Commercial Club closed out the high-energy numbers with a mashup of Cardi B, Sean Paul, and Gwen Stefani, blending attitude and flair.
- "She Used To Be Mine" – Year 11 Dance Captains offered a poignant farewell with Jessie Mueller's ballad, setting the stage for the night's emotional climax.
The show ended with the beloved "Leavers/Bows," set to P!nk's Never Gonna Not Dance Again. Year 11 students took their final bow, joined by the full cast for a triumphant, joyous finale that honored their journey and the Dorothy Stringer dance legacy.
