Plympton Academy students soar with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake professionals

Students at Plympton Academy recently stepped into the world of professional dance with a workshop led by dancers from British choreographer, Matthew Bourne’s internationally acclaimed New Adventures company.

Inspired by Swan Lake, the session seamlessly blended contemporary dance and ballet, offering students the opportunity to experiment with new techniques and explore their artistic expression. Led by professionals who have performed in the Swan Lake production, it provided invaluable insights into the world of professional dance and choreography.

Students were challenged both physically and creatively, as they glided and soared across the dance studio, learning from the very dancers who brought this iconic production to life on stage.

As a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, Plympton Academy is dedicated to offering exceptional opportunities that inspire students to unlock their full potential.

Tilly, a student at Plympton Academy, reflected on the exciting sessions, saying:

“This was an amazing opportunity for us to work with professionals who have been in Swan Lake, to have them at the Academy with us was really special.”

While Miss Bond, Plympton Academy’s Dance Teacher, who helped coordinate the workshop, said:

“It was fantastic to see the students being so creative in the space. They showed tremendous hard work, resilience, and represented Plympton Academy with pride.”

Steph Jenner, Head of Dance at Plympton Academy, commented:

“Providing our students with the chance to work with industry professionals is invaluable. These experiences offer them a unique opportunity to gain insights, build skills, and make meaningful connections that will stay with them throughout their lives.

“It is not just about learning choreography; it is about creating lasting memories and understanding the depth of the artistic process.”

In addition to the workshop, the Dance Department organised a theatre trip to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake live in performance. The students at Plympton Academy were captivated by the powerful emotional storytelling of the show, which further deepened their appreciation for the creative journey behind the scenes.

“The show was magical and truly inspirational to watch,” said Amelia, one of the students who enjoyed the performance.

“It was emotional storytelling through dance, it was incredible,” added Peta, another student.