Why Wellingtonians Have-to-Dance

Dance is a vibrant expression of many of the Wellington Values. It takes a lot of Courage to learn a skill and then get up on stage and perform it. Practicing and perfecting a dance requires Responsibility and great Integrity. Moreover, being an audience member means exhibiting Kindness and Respect for the performer and their craft. We not only love, but we have to dance at Wellington.

This week, Wellingtonians will have the opportunity to live all of these values with Have-to-Dance. Taking place in the College Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October, this annual dance competition is a celebration of the art form and an opportunity for our pupils to give it their all and shine on stage.

This year's competition will see Wellingtonians from years 3 to 13 performing in a wide range of styles. From traditional Chinese to hip hop to jazz to contemporary — the sheer variety will be a true reflection of the diversity of our community here.

But Have-to-Dance is only the start of the dance season. Competition winners will get to perform with our Wellington dance scholars in our all-new Autumn Dance Showcase on 4 November.

In advance of the competition and showcase, we caught up with some of our dance scholars and aspirant dance scholars to hear what they have planned for their performances and what dance means to them.

Florence, year 9

"I kind of grew up with dance. My older sisters did it, and I had all kinds of people around me to encourage and inspire me. My favourite style has to be jazz. It is really uplifting, and there are so many different moves you can do. Phoebe [year 8] and I have been dancing together for two years. This year, we are doing a dance to the song 'Feeling Good.'"

Phoebe, year 8

"I think the dance programme is a really good way for us to express our passions through various styles of dance. We are given many different opportunities like the dance concerts, but also our annual pantomimes and theatrical performances. It is a way for all of us to come together as a team and have fun."

Sophie, year 8

"I won the dance competition last year, and since then, I have been doing a lot of dance. Then I got a scholarship this September. The dance I am doing is in the style of Broadway jazz. It is to a song called 'Cinema Italiano' from the movie Nine. I did something more contemporary last year, but to be honest this style fits my personality more."

Isabella, year 8

"I have danced since I was three, and I love it. I started doing ballet first, and then I started exploring a lot of other styles and I soon became fascinated with Latin dance. I enjoy the music more, there are more rhythms you can dance to, different speeds, lots of different styles. For me, the biggest challenge is that it is always challenging. You can get better, but it does not always get easier. But it is worth it."

For those looking to cheer on our Have-to-Dance winners, dance scholars and witness some of Wellington’s home-grown talent on stage, please scan below QR code to reserve your tickets to the November 4 Autumn Dance Showcase and remember to save the date. 

Poster design by Kayla (Year 12) 

Open days and tours for 2022 entry

Wellington is taking rolling applications for the 2021-22 academic year and inviting future Wellingtonians to join us for Open days and tours for 2022 entry.

Open days are available for children applying for our Early Years and Pre-Prep programmes from September through December this year. 

Please scan the QR code below to register.  

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