Pupils from St Ivo Academy in St Ives have been working with professional dancers from Vanhulle Dance Theatre, as part of a boys’ dance project.

Funded by Arts Council England, Oliver Robert Russell and Laura Vanhulle, from Vanhulle Dance Theatre, have been working with boys from Years 7, 8 and 9, since July.

St Ivo Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, has a core group of boys who enjoy the performing arts. 

The dance workshops have focussed on the boys developing their creative and choreographic skills and learning new movement phrases, inspired by martial arts and contemporary dance styles.

The students have had the chance to work alongside a professional male dancer as part of the project and will be performing their dance Descend at the dance department's annual production of Ivolution at St Ivo Academy on December 5/6.

Featuring more than 150 students from BTEC Level 2 and 3 courses, extra-curricular clubs and the Vanhulle Dance Theatre project, Ivolution will showcase students of all ages and abilities to share their love of dancing and performing. 

Students will perform a range of dance styles including commercial, street dance, contemporary, ballet and jazz choreographed by both staff and students.

Year 6 pupils from neighbouring primary schools will have the opportunity to watch the matinee performance, followed by friends and family at the evening performances. 

Tony Meneaurgh, interim principal at St Ivo Academy, said: “Students have been working incredibly hard since the summer to produce some extremely high level work which we are very excited to showcase. 

“It’s so important that we are able to offer a wide range of extra curricular opportunities like these. I hope many parents, carers and friends will be able to enjoy our dancers' success at our tenth Ivolution show."

Lindsay McAdam, head of dance at St Ivo, added: “A huge well done to all boys involved; we are so proud of everything you have achieved!"