Monday 9th March 2020

Last month concluded Rubicon’s annual Schools’ Dance Festival. The festival, which we run to celebrate the talent and potential of young people in Wales, saw over 50 schools and 1300 pupils take to the stage in St David’s Hall.

Across the three nights the groups performing used dance to tell a variety of different stories. Pupils danced about oceans in crisis, the unity of girl power, and even walking in space. Some groups focused on a single theme like friendship or teamwork, whilst others honored the brilliance of their individuality through sign language and Bhangra dances. The diversity of the performances was a reflection of the groups themselves, who represented primary and secondary schools, as well as community dance groups from across Cardiff, Newport and the Rhondda.

Along with performing at St David’s Hall, pupils were also able to watch their peers dance from the audience and gained a U.Dance certificate from One Dance UK, the support organisation for dance in the UK which aims to make dance strong, diverse and vibrant.

Whether they had been dancing with their group for years or only a short while, all the young people performing showcased their commitment, creativity, and team-work skills in a real life arts event.

As for us Rubicon staff, we had a great time watching all the groups perform and running about back stage. Take a look at the photos below which show some of our own groups performing. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!

If you would like more information about the Schools’ Dance Festival, please get in touch with Lauren Williams: [email protected].

Rubicon's Flagship Boys' Group, Re:BOUND, performing Decode, a piece celebrating the centenary of GCHQ. 

Rubicon's Flagship Disability group were inspired by the dark and mysterious forest for their performance of Roots.

Rubicon's full time BTEC students perform Colloquy, a piece exploring the various phases of connectivity between people.

Rubicon's GCSE Dance Students performing Festa!, a piece inspired by Itzik Galili's A Linha Curva.

Rubicon's Flagship Contemporary group performing Run From Me. The dance is based on the dark and dissonant sound effects from the song 'Bury a Friend' by Billy Eilish.