In collaboration between the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and our very own BSKL, this week we welcomed Mrs. Salla Saarikangas to our campus.
Mrs. Saarikangas visited the school to conduct a series of dance lessons and workshops as part of the Juilliard/Nord Anglia Performing Arts Collaboration.
From Tuesday to Thursday, Mrs. Saarikangas immersed herself in our school community, providing invaluable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to our dedicated staff while also igniting the passion for dance in our students through her engaging sessions.
For our Year 5 pupils, Mrs. Saarikangas orchestrated a captivating lesson on the intricacies of counting beats, unveiling the mesmerising world of dance where movements seamlessly synchronise with the rhythm of music. Meanwhile, our Year 7 students were treated to a exploration of Flamenco, delving into the complexities of footwork and Flamenco rhythms under Mrs. Saarikangas' expert guidance.
A highlight of Mrs. Saarikangas' visit was the parent workshop held on Wednesday morning. Parents eagerly participated in a lesson inspired by the ethereal movements of Swan Lake, where they were led through the graceful positions of the swan. It was a heartening sight to witness parents immerse themselves in the artistry of dance, showcasing their own creative expressions brilliantly.
As a familiar face in our school, Mrs. Saarikangas visits BSKL annually as our esteemed Dance Curriculum Specialist. Her invaluable insights and guidance have been instrumental, particularly as we embark on the inaugural year of introducing dance into our secondary school curriculum. The response from our students has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the significance of incorporating the performing arts into our educational repertoire.
As we bid farewell to Mrs. Saarikangas for this year, her visit leaves an indelible mark on our school community, inspiring a newfound appreciation for the beauty and artistry of dance. We eagerly anticipate further collaborations with Juilliard and the continued growth of performing arts at BSKL, where every step is a testament to our commitment to holistic education.
Stephen Dunn our music specialist will visit us in late April please watch out for a music workshop which you will be able to get involved with.
As we approach the end of the first term and the joyous festive season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress made and celebrate the achievements of our students.
