On Saturday 20th February 2021, during the middle of the third national lockdown, Jubilee High was extremely proud to host its first community dance festival – albeit virtually this year! Inspired by our very own Ms May, Head of Dance, and attended by over 50 students from local primary and secondary schools, the high energy day started at 10am with students able to take part in a variety of morning workshops including musical theatre, dance fitness and hip hop.

After the lunch break, the excitement continued with Michael and Jowita, winners of the BBC's The Greatest Dancer, joining the festival to teach an energetic jive class followed by a Q&A session, giving the students the opportunity to find out more about the dance industry and how to be successful.

The day concluded with the highly anticipated primary and secondary competitions, judged by a panel of professional dancers. A huge amount of fun was had by all and after feedback from the judges and much deliberation, the school was delighted to crown Ava and Karunnya 2021 champions.

Mark Conroy, Headteacher said: ‘I am so pleased that during these difficult times, Miss May was able to organise and run such an inspirational and successful Dance Festival, not only for our JHS students but also local primary school students as well. I know those involved thoroughly enjoyed a great day of different genre dancing with the element of competition. It was also wonderful to see our event supported by successful international dancing celebrities, this really inspired those students involved.’

Jenny May, Head of Dance at Jubilee High and festival organiser said: 'The first JHS Community Dance Festival was a huge success, and I was over the moon to see so many students get involved. Well done to everyone that took part and remember to keep dancing!'

Karunnya, winner of the secondary competition said: ‘Today has been the most fun I’ve had in ages and I’m really grateful that you organised such an amazing event for us! There were so many different workshops that appealed to so many different people but my favourite had to be the Latin Workshop! I was exhausted by the end of it but getting the chance to try a mature and challenging style of dance was so much fun and a big confidence boost I think I really needed! I’m not sure I’ll ever get the chance to do something like this again so I’m really grateful you did this, I can’t express how happy I am!’