THIS week saw two days of performances by students from across the Gateway Learning Community in Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary.

The school's community dance event was held in the Ellis Theatre at Gateway Academy in Tilbury on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Students from primary school through to Year 11, were given the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent and passion for dance to friends and families in the audience.

The Gateway Academy's Year 11 dance students performed their examination choreographies, they also had the opportunity to audition to perform their solos.

Many styles of dance were showcased, including contemporary, commercial, musical theatre, jazz and tap. Local dance schools, Elite and BBs performed in the show, along with dance students from South Essex College.

This gave The Gateway Learning Community students the opportunity to see dance beyond the set curriculum, encouraging them to aspire to attend dance colleges for a post 16 route.

Rhiannon Thomas, Head of Dance at the Gateway Academy said: "The students gave up their weekends and evenings to rehearse for the performance and their dedication to dance was truly reflected in their performances.

"It was a wonderful performance, it was fantastic to see so many of our students getting involved."

Gateway head of school Grainne McLaughlin said: "Students were eager to thank the dance staff at the end of the evening which sums up so much!

"All the dancers demonstrated the Gateway Learning Community's core values beautifully, showing great responsibility, resilience, compassion and aspiration."

Some of the dance performances will be showcased again at The GLC's Summer Arts Festival next half term.