Students strut their stuff in Enfield dance festival (From Enfield Independent)

Enfield students strut their stuff in Strictly Dance festival at Millfield Theatre

10:35am Thursday 25th March 2010 in News By Rebecca Lowe

HUNDREDS of nimble-toed youngsters will take to the stage next week to show off their dance moves.

The 1,300 pupils from 57 Enfield schools will perform at Millfield Theatre, in Silver Street, Edmonton, for the borough's annual "Strictly Dance" festival.

All the students signed up for the "Essentially Dance" course at their schools, developed by BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars Lilia Kopylova and Darren Bennett.

At these sessions the students learned ballroom and Latin American dance as part of their PE classes.

Jan Hickman, Enfield’s PE and sports development manager, said: “Dance is a fabulous way to exercise, but it is also much more, demanding precision, imagination, speed and elements of fun and interpretation.

"It is extremely popular and in Enfield we have built up a reputation over ten years that exceeds all expectations every year.

"This year’s festival will be a real treat.”

During the four-day festival, from Monday to Thursday next week, the students will perform routines influenced by dancers ranging from Bob Fosse and Darcy Bussell to Michael Jackson and Diversity.

Ms Hickman added: “There are so many styles to perform, so many top choreographers to study, old and young, from all over the world.

"The challenge was to try something new, and yet again the schools have responded magnificently.”

Anyone wishing to take up dancing in the borough can visit www.active-enfield.co.uk for an up-to-date list of classes available for all ages.