A GROUP of dance students were treated to the wonders of the West End when they attended professional classes at the world-famous Pineapple Dance Studios.

Thirteen Year 11 students from Harwich and Dovercourt High School went to the studios in Covent Garden, in London, to take part in jazz and hip-hop dance workshops taught by professional dancers on Wednesday, December 13.

Linda Dadd, who studied and competed in both ballroom and Latin American dancing, taught the students in a jazz class.

Linda said: “It’s great that these young people are here today to get a taste of what the industry is actually like.”

The students then moved on to a street and hip-hop workshop taught by established dance teacher Tiger. He shared his own polished steps with the group of students before asking them to show him their own hip-hop moves.

Dance student Eden Christie said: “The day was like nothing I have ever experienced before, we were right in the middle of London and we worked hard with professionals at Pineapple.

“We even got to see the West End production of Wicked, which was simply brilliant.

“This experience has given me opportunities that I would never normally have and studying the Btec vocational qualification gives me an advantage to try out real life situations as well as perfect my dance skills.”

Sarah Parker, head of performing arts at Harwich and Dovercourt High School, said: “I was successful in applying for a bid within our school in order to raise funds to take our students to Covent Garden.

“This experience is something that stays with our students for life.

“It also gives them the confidence and edge to go out into the professional dance world and attend classes and auditions.

“Performing arts at Harwich and Dovercourt High School is at the heart of the school and supported so well by our senior leaders.”