Inter-house ballroom dancing competition lights up the Great Hall

The floor in the Great Hall was HOT on Wednesday afternoon, as the Inter-House Ballroom Dancing Competition was in full swing. Off the back of a successful and thoroughly enjoyed competition in 2022, we welcomed back the Grafton Dance Centre to mentor our pupils in preparation for another event.  

Since the start of Advent term, Year 11, 12 and 13 students have been practicing their Cha-cha-chas every Wednesday with their Grafton Dance Centre teachers, Paul and Sarah. The dancers were very dedicated in their preparation for the event – to some impressive result. There was a range of initial abilities; some dancers had never danced before; others came with a lot more experience, but they all got out there and shone.  

11 couples took to the stage to perform a Cha-cha-cha, and while taking out the win may have been on the top of the mind for some, including our Heads of House, the clear instruction from Ms. Phillips was for pupils to dance well, have fun and enjoy themselves. 

‘The whole point of these House events is really for everyone to step outside of their comfort zone, to have fun and to work as a team. While there is the Inter-House competition element, the main thing is for pupils to step up and give it a go.  

‘We are all so proud of their efforts regardless of how they placed in the House competition.’ - Ms. Phillips.  

The opening heat started off in a rhythmic roar with ballroom versions of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and Flo Rida’s I Don’t Like It, I Love It – and it was easy to see the enjoyment plastered on the faces of both the competitors and those watching in support.  

Every couple danced twice – with the competition structure starting with 11 couples dancing in the opening heat – 3 of which went straight through to the semi-finals. The remaining 8 couples danced again, 6 of whom got through to the semis. From the 9 couples through to the semi-finals, just 6 danced in the final.  

A massive thank you to the Grafton Dance Centre for their fantastic mentorship, and congratulations to all dancers who got involved. A special well done to our 6 finalists (in winning order): 

1st Brown’s - Eddie and Angelina  

2nd Cribb’s - Larissa and Rudy  

3rd Dutton’s - Ivo and Milla  

4th Tyson’s - Richard and Esme  

5th Dutton’s - Lottie and Tabitha  

6th Roper’s - Issy and Bea  

We are already looking forward to Inter-House Ballroom 2024!