Budmouth Academy dance competition features Anton Du Becke

The dance competition took place at Budmouth Academy and saw four schools take part - with Strictly Come Dancing Star Anton Du Becke making an appearance via video.

For the primary school years 5 and 6 category, pupils from St John’s Primary, Confers Primary, St Osmund's and Dorchester Middle School took part, with St John’s scooping first place.

Students from Budmouth Academy, Wey Valley Academy and Thomas Hardye competed in the secondary school category, with Budmouth taking the top prize for the Key Stage 3 and 4 and Thomas Hardye winning at Key Stage 5 

Each winning school was presented with a trophy and all schools were awarded certificates.

Shelley Trott - head of dance at Budmouth and 6th Form students who presented Jayden and Josh (Image: Victoria Jones)

The evening began with a video message from Anton Du Beke, followed by two Budmouth 6th Form students Jayden and Josh presenting the evening and acts. 

Victoria Jones, who helped organise the competition said: “The idea of the competition was to bring together schools from across the west, giving children with a passion for dance the chance to perform in a professional setting, on a big stage in front of an audience.

“Our theme for this year's competition was eco-friendly, aligning with the new School Games value.

“Each school put together a routine expressing this theme through music and movement. With the goal to foster inclusivity, ensuring every child felt valued and included in this joyous celebration of dance.

“This event would not of been possible with the help of Budmouth and their amazing staff- Shelley Trott, Anna Marsh, Rhian Stroud and Justin Abbott.”

Victoria Jones with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Becke (Image: Victoria Jones)

Victoria organised the event in her role as South West School Games Organiser with the School Games, Active Dorset, Youth Sports Trust and Sport England.

She was based at Budmouth Academy working alongside the sport and dance department, and the competition was her last act in the role, having recently moved on to pursue her own business, but remains passionate about promoting sport in children and young people.

Victoria added: “I strongly believe that School Games Organiser network provided a more inclusive variety of activities and practices, whilst also supplying pupils with opportunities to progress outside of school.

“Working with 68 schools across the West to help develop pupils' all-round sporting skillset, knowledge, confidence and enjoyment in physical activity, and helping to improve resilience, teamwork, friendships, mental health, community spirit and all round fitness. 

“Unfortunately, I made a decision to leave the job due to a group exercise community business I also run in the area. I could no longer give the time the role deserved as my business grew.”