Paddington Academy, Westminster

Song and Dance Style
My Man’s Gone Now
Hip Hop

Dance Artist
Clara Bajado

Rehearsal Director
Zosia Shimell

Rehearsal Assistant
Nital Patel

Performers
Genna Alleyne, Anita Amaning, Sharene Badawy, Rida Bashoon, Claire Biti, Nicoll Carter, Samuella During, Tatiana Giraldo-Serna, Keisha Herelle, Diellza Jaha, Dammy Laoye, Tania Miranda, Tufiq Mohammed-Ali, David Muchenje, Christian Nicholas, Azizi Ridzuan, Omar Sharif, Ellesse Stewart, Jean Tanoh, Savannah Williamson

As part of Paddington Academy’s extension and enrichment programme students have rehearsed for Summertime over several months, in after school and holiday sessions and working with a choreographer to create a dance piece that explores Street Dance and Hip Hop.

Hip Hop is a genre that students in Paddington Academy have a great deal of passion for. The style evokes modern culture and celebrates diversity and the energy of youth today. The students feel they are able to express themselves through this style, finding a sense of achievement through performing.

All photographs by Sheila Burnett

Paddington Academy was keen to participate, as it would allow students the opportunity to perform as a professional dance company as well as enabling pupils to experience working with professional choreographers, thus building on students’ dance skills and knowledge.

Omar Sharif, a student of Paddington Academy, said: “I’ve always wanted to be a professional dancer, and perform in front of a large audience, Summertime has allowed me to experience a higher level of dance, and work with professional people in the industry.”

Zosia Shimell, the Rehearsal Director at Paddington Academy, added: “I think this is an amazing experience for the students, they have the opportunity to work with a professional choreographer, and perform at one of the top venues in the UK. Students are able to develop their skills and confidence as performers.”

Back to main schools page