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Local dancers are itching to get back on stage later this week for the Jersey Dance Awards – which for some will be the first show in over 15 months.
The Jersey Dance Awards 2021 will take place between Friday 14 May and Sunday 16 May at Haute Vallée.
The awards, which are now in their third year, will see over 200 local dancers, aged between four and 18, compete in individual and group competitions in a number of dance genres including tap, ballet and modern.
Pictured: Over 200 dancers will take to the stage this weekend.
The competition allows those who achieve 70 marks and place in the top 4 in their category to take part in the Dance World Cup, an international competition which will take place in Birmingham this year.
For some of the dancers, who have faced the “challenge of virtual lessons and practising in their bedrooms, lounges and gardens”, the show will be the first one in many months.
“This will be the first time in 15 months that they have got on stage,” said Jodie Lee Chipperfield, who created the Jersey Dance Awards in 2019 to provide dancers with an annual competition.
“The last performance for some was the last dance awards at the end of February, some have not danced since. It’s been 15 to 16 months that they have not been able to step on stage. They normally have school shows, dance school shows or the Eisteddfod, but it’s all been taken away from them.
“The Awards have given them something to work towards and a goal to achieve. I have spoken to teachers in dance school, and they all said you can just see it’s brought some energy and some sense of accomplishment to them.”
While Jodie is excited about the show, and for it to be the first dance show since the pandemic, the organisation of the event has not been easy. For example, tickets for the awards are usually sold ahead of time but this year, Jodie decided to hold them back to wait for the latest Government’s advice.
“It’s been hard mainly because we are so organised in advance normally,” she said. “The answers to questions about training have been so last minute because I was waiting to hear back from the Covid Safe Team, or waiting for the next road map.
Pictured: Some of the dancers have not been on stage since the Jersey Dance Awards 2020.
“We want to make sure we dot the i’s and cross the t’s … We thought it was best to wait, it has taken a lot longer to do the things we normally do.”
"We’ve had great support from the States of Jersey and the Covid work place team with advice on how we can adhere to the restrictions in place and keep our dancers safe while they perform," Jodie added.
"As well as recognising the invaluable support from the States and Ravenscroft, I must also thank all the volunteers who give up their time to help with the smooth running over the three days."
The format of the show has been slightly amended to accommodate the public health guidance, with the length of each session having been reduced along with the number of children involved, to ensure each child would have at least one parent to watch them.
Sadly, the ongoing travel restrictions have meant Guernsey dancers will not be able to take part but Jodie hopes they will be join the stage next year.
Meanwhile, all staff will be tested this week before the show and all the children will have their temperature checked on the day. Each school will also be expected within their own bubble.
“Everyone will be as safe as possible,” Jodie said. “Teachers are super excited, and parents are all excited to see their little ones on stage.”
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