First Place at All England Dance Festival
Founded in 1923, All England Dance (AED) is a biennial dance festival that celebrates dancers aged from three to twenty-one years. Performers qualify through a network of nationwide nominated festivals to participate in one of the five Regional Finals. I started competing at AED when I was eight years old, and it is one that I hold very close to my heart. This year I was fortunate enough to take part once again. It is always wonderful to see all the dancers perform in their different styles, and I am incredibly grateful to have won the National Finals at the competition this summer.
The process starts with a qualifying round where dancers from local areas compete with each other and perform their routines. I competed in the Global Section and performed an Indian Classical dance style called Bharatanatyam. Those who qualify move on to the next round - the regional finals. I was absolutely thrilled to have won 1st place in this round, which meant that I had secured a place for the National Finals. It was my first time competing in the senior section, which meant that all the participants’ dances were executed with incredible detail, and they all portrayed beautiful stories. Having an opportunity to compete with such dancers was one that I will never forget.
I started training for the finals soon after regionals and focused on making my routine as best as it could be. This year the competition was extremely important to me as it was the first time I competed with a piece I choreographed myself. Having this opportunity to compete with a routine I choreographed myself has helped me develop many skills that I can now use more confidently in the future. After my section had completed all their dances, the results were announced, and I was elated to find out that I had won 1st place with full marks!
I am forever grateful for this experience and look forward to more wonderful moments in dance.
By Shivani - Year 12