Fifty-six Year 1 and 2 pupils from St Bede’s Catholic Primary took part in the More Than Dance event, which combines different dance styles to support self-esteem, personal growth, self-awareness, confidence, self-expression and teamwork.
More Than Dance is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in the North East of England, which was established 20 years ago to deliver creative, faith-based programmes to schools and community groups.
The workshops take place several times a year at St Bede’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, ensuring all age groups have the chance to take part.
Linzi Walton, who is Business Manager at the school, highlighted the extra dimension provided by the movement-based approach.
“Working with More Than Dance enhances our Catholic distinctive nature, and adds another dimension to our ‘prayer life’,” she said.
“Every year group has an opportunity, over the course of the year, to work with the team to explore prayer through liturgical dance, and the children always fully embrace and enjoy the experience.
“Movement and dance provides another vehicle for children to be creative and celebrate the gift of God’s love.”
