BSDC students take centre stage in spectacular ‘Danceworks’ performance

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) dazzled audiences with its annual Christmas dance production, Danceworks, a dynamic and inspiring showcase celebrating the exceptional talent, creativity and commitment of students from the College’s Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance) and Musical Theatre courses.

The vibrant production featured an exciting programme of performances across a wide range of dance styles, including commercial, jazz, ballet and contemporary. Audiences were also treated to original choreography devised by the students themselves, highlighting not only their technical ability but also their creativity and confidence as emerging performers. Danceworks offers learners an invaluable opportunity to gain real-life stage experience, preparing them for the demands of the professional performing arts industry. The show continues to be a much-anticipated highlight of the BSDC calendar, uniting passion, discipline and performance excellence across two, energetic, unforgettable evenings.

Among the many wonderful performers was Maisie Simpson, a Level 5 Dance student whose journey into dance at BSDC began in a more unexpected way than others. Reflecting on her experience, Maisie said: “I started BSDC in 2020 on the Childcare course because I thought it was the safest option, but Dance was always something I wanted to do. I realised Childcare just wasn’t for me and I’ve been studying Dance ever since. I’ve done at least three shows over the years I’ve been here, and this one was the best by far. It was a challenge, but all the hard work really paid off.” Her story highlights the supportive environment at BSDC, where students are encouraged to follow their passions and develop their potential.

Also taking to the stage was Jason Treneman, a Level 3 Dance student who was proud of how far the production has progressed this year. He commented: “I think we really stepped it up this year. We used a lot more advanced moves and have been focusing really hard on technique.” Looking ahead to the future, Jason added: “Once I finish my course, I’ll be thinking about dance colleges—or maybe even going into work on cruise ships. I’ve always wanted to travel, so combining the two would be amazing.”

Gemma Haley, Dance Course Leader at Burton and South Derbyshire College, praised the students’ achievements, saying: “This year’s show really reflected the dedication and ambition of our learners. With a mix of styles and student-led choreography, it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the kind of professional performance environment they’ll encounter in their future careers.”