WITH elaborate choreography and impressive vaulting performances, gifted dancers and athletes had the audience in the palm of their hands at the Wyvern Theatre.

More than 100 Swindon Academy students showcased their skills at their annual dance and gymnastics display.

Following a dress rehearsal at the arts venue, pupils from Year 7 through to the sixth form braved the large Wyvern stage on Thursday evening.

Performances from all age groups included gymnastics, original dance routines imagined by students themselves and high-energy vaulting.

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Ruth Robinson, principal at Swindon Academy, explained that the show allowed students not only to express their creativity but to grow in confidence.

“The show creates wonderful opportunities for performing students to develop their confidence and gives other students a demonstration of what they could be doing if they decide to get involved,” she said.

“It is a truly memorable experience for them all.”

It was the first time the display, which is now in its fifth year, was held at the venue.

The showcase forms part of sixth form dance students’ BTEC Level final assessment.

Dance teacher Rebecca Woolven paid tribute to her pupils’ dedication and willingness to put in extra hours of practice.

“The dance students have a set of criteria which they must deliver during their assessment performance,” she said.

“The girls have been working very hard, practising for long hours, to ensure they achieve the highest grade possible in their assessment and give the best live performance possible.

“I’m really proud of all the performers in the gym and dance display. The students are all extremely dedicated and are really keen to impress the audience, which is made up of many of their family and friends.”

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Show director Emma Drinkwater added: “The Dance Academy students work on their routine as part of their BTEC Performing Arts studies and are graded on their final performance.

“The show provides a perfect opportunity for them to publicly demonstrate their skills and get used to performing in front of a large audience.”