All the festive feelings…Day of Dance 2022

13th December 2022

We had a brilliant DAY OF DANCE 2022 on Sunday at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh. Despite the wintery weather, the young people from Belfast Boys, Sutemos and Suteminis were glowing with energy and enthusiasm.  After warm ups, ice breakers, games, rehearsals, food (and more food!), they worked really hard on a magical, joint Christmas piece. This was their first time creating together as they devised tableaus in small groups.

Later in the day, we were joined by families and friends to enjoy the sharing in a professional theatre setting.

Suteminis were first up with a piece called ‘High Hopes’ based on their dreams for the future.  Some of these 7 to 11 year olds have just recently joined the Dungannon-based group and  it was so encouraging to see them come together and move so confidently.

Belfast Boys Juniors followed with ‘Starman’ inspired by watching Disney’s Toy Story spinoff ‘Lightyear’ and it certainly felt cosmic.   This group was set up just 15 months ago and continues to have a waiting list with more boys, aged 7 to 11, hoping to join.

‘Wild Sea’ by Sutemos was a powerful example of how well this group of dancers listen and work with the music.  Their poised start to the piece was really striking.

The last group to take the stage was Belfast Boys Seniors.  Sharing the first part of a longer piece called ‘Tribe’ they worked creatively to explore what a being part of a tribe means to them.  To be continued….and we can’t wait.

The afternoon ended with the festive piece made by the groups earlier that day called ‘Snow Globe’.  Each performer made their own entry on to the stage – we had penguins, falling snow and figure skaters to name but a few.

After pass the parcel, mince pies and of course the annual dance off, everyone left with a big smile on their face.

Thank you to both Sheena Kelly and Sean O’Neill for all their hard work this term and on the day.  Thank you to the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre for being our excellent venue.  Let’s do it all again next year!