The arts are an important part of our pupils educational journey at Rotherfield. As well as improving physical health and fitness, dance develops creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and self confidence.

As an associate school in the Sadler's Wells Associate Schools Partnership students have been part of some amazing artistic programmes and experienced work by some of the world's greatest dance artists. Memorable and magical moments have been made both in the theatre and in school.

Since joining the programme in 2017 children have enjoyed; watching Christmas productions of The Little Match Girl by Arthur Pita at the Lilian Baylis Studio, performing their own choreography in the Associate Schools Summer Showcase on stage at the Lilian Baylis Studio and watching a variety of performances on the main stage from Argentinian tango dancers to experimental B-boys, classical performances by Semperoper Ballett to contemporary African performances by Uchenna Dance. The  children's favourite year on year has been hip-hop theatre company BirdGang and after enjoying this performance they have welcomed hip-hop dancer Yami in to school for a hip-hop masterclass.

Children have also had the opportunity to have Q+A sessions with these various dance companies after performances, including an extended session with the Akram Khan Company after watching the gripping performance of Chotto Desh as they were about to embark on creating their own movement pieces in school based on migration.

A final Associate Schools highlight has been the opportunity to work with balletLORENT on their enchanting dance-theatre fairy-tale adaptation of  Rumpelstiltskin and the upcoming The Lost Happy Endings based on an original story by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. The children will participate in creative dance workshops in school run by balletLORENT after which 15 children will be given the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside the professional dancers.

Such wonderful opportunities for children to get involved in the arts!