On Tuesday, October 3rd, GCSE dance students at Headington School had a unique opportunity to participate in a dance workshop led by The Royal Ballet. This workshop focused on the contemporary ballet piece 'Infra,' which they had been studying at the GCSE level, offering students a chance to explore the bridge between contemporary and ballet styles and expand their dance horizons.

Contemporary ballet is a dance style that combines traditional elements with a hunger for innovation. It draws inspiration from various dance forms, including jazz and modern dance. Unlike traditional ballet, contemporary ballet prioritizes the power of movement and the aesthetics of the body's lines over narrative storytelling. Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa explains that contemporary ballet invites audiences to focus on the dynamics between the dancers.

Renee, a dedicated dance scholar and participant in the workshop shared her insights:

It's been fascinating to learn about an extract from 'Infra,' with its captivating blend of contemporary and ballet styles. Before coming to Headington, I primarily practiced ballet for most of my life. Diversifying my dance style was a challenging transition. Contemporary ballet is elegant yet highly restrictive, making it difficult to add personal touches due to its strict guidelines. When I first came to Headington, I favored traditional ballet, but now I've come to appreciate both styles in their own right."

The workshop allowed students to delve into 'Infra,' an acclaimed contemporary ballet work choreographed by Wayne McGregor for The Royal Ballet in 2008. 'Infra' explores the human experience, relationships, and connections through innovative movement, receiving critical acclaim for its storytelling through dance. Under The Royal Ballet's guidance, students explored 'Infra,' learning and creating movements inspired by this captivating piece. They had the chance to experience the subtleties of contemporary ballet, gaining insights into the art form from a professional perspective.

The Royal Ballet Workshop at Headington School offered GCSE dance students a unique opportunity to explore contemporary ballet through 'Infra,' sparking creativity and appreciation for the movement's power. Renee's journey from traditional ballet to contemporary fusion exemplifies the transformative potential of dance education, inspiring both dancers and audiences. Overall, the dancers exhibited remarkable collaboration and creativity while mastering and crafting movements, making it an exceptionally thrilling and inspirational day.