The experience will see the group deliver a 20-minute showcase, based on the theme of ‘hopes and dreams’, at the prestigious entertainment resort in April 2025. This will form part of a combined GCSE dance and French trip being organised for key stage 4 students at Withernsea High School.

Rehearsals began in September, with the performers being required to prepare two routines within a framework set by the theme park’s entertainment team. Among the initial requirements was the need to create family-friendly routines, using full songs of at least three minutes in length, and to ensure that at least 90 per cent of the content features in the finished showcase.

Explaining the process further, Withernsea High School’s head of creative arts, Jamie Hughes, said: “To help us fulfil the requirements of the audition process, we decided to base our ideas on the self-selected theme of ‘hopes and dreams’. We thought this was a fitting theme for our young dancers as they are at a pivotal age and are preparing to perform on an international stage for the first time.  

“For the audition reel, we created a street dance arrangement and a contemporary lyrical/theatrical routine which contrast with each other to show the variety, depth and skill of our performers.”

Following the news that the audition had been successful, work began on creating the rest of the performance. “Both audition tracks will form part of the final show, along with around ten other pieces”, said Jamie. “These new routines will include the show’s opening number which will introduce the concept of a magical dreamlike state. Character-based performances aren’t allowed, so we have to be careful with some elements of the content to stay in line with the framework that has been set. Having an overall theme definitely helps and I think it gives us a really nice setting to structure everything within.”

Reflecting on the success of the audition and the work that lies ahead, Jamie added: “I am so proud of our dancers. They have all worked really hard and are continuing to put in a lot of effort to turn a short audition routine into a full performance. Securing a place at Disneyland is a real honour for us as a school, as well as our students, as such opportunities are typically only afforded to dedicated dance schools. It promises to be a memorable experience.”

Year 11 dancer Faith G said: “I was honestly so nervous waiting for the audition results because I wondered if all the lunch and after-school rehearsals had been worthwhile. I’m so happy that they were! I’m really excited that my final year 11 performance for school will be at Disneyland.”

For Jamie Hughes, the opportunity to help broaden the horizons of her students in such a way is the realisation of a long-held ambition. “For me, it's really personal. It's almost like a bucket list event in my teaching career because when I was younger, I was afforded similar opportunities by Vicki Wilkinson of Withernsea’s VIPs performing arts group. Vicki provided me with opportunities to perform abroad, including twice at Disneyland Paris and once in America. These experiences are something I'm truly grateful for and I've always wanted to offer the same to my students."

While the dance students take part in a day of workshops and live performance, GCSE French students will enjoy a visit to the Montparnasse Tower and a walking tour of Paris. They will also visit a food market where they will be given an opportunity to sample authentic French cuisine and put their language skills to the test with local vendors. The two groups will combine on the final day of the trip to enjoy the rides and attractions at Disneyland.

Tracy Styche, head of languages, said: “The main benefit of the trip for our GCSE French students is for them to experience the language and culture that they have been learning about for the past five years. Being surrounded by things such as street signs and posters, as well as obviously hearing the language around them, will put so many aspects of the GCSE course into perspective. The timing of the trip is also perfect as it will be immediately before the final GCSE speaking exam. The opportunity to use their language skills in real-life situations, like buying food or souvenirs, will be invaluable."

In preparation for the trip, the students are currently engaging in role play situations during lessons to rehearse the types of interactions that they can expect to have while in France. These include buying things from shops and ordering food in a restaurant. This work also forms part of their preparations for their French speaking exams.

Reflecting on what she hopes students will gain from the experience as a whole, Tracy added: “Having been involved in international school trips in the past, I know how much students gain from the experience. You see them differently outside a classroom setting - they become more confident and responsible. I think it is an incredible opportunity.

“Some students may not have been abroad before. In fact, my first experience abroad was going to France on a school trip at a similar age and it massively helped my confidence. Just walking around and realising there were things that I understood, trying to communicate with people, and them understanding, made me realise that I could do it. I want our students to have that experience.”

To help prepare for the trip, Tracy took her own children on a recce to Paris during October half term. “As soon as I realised that the trip was going ahead, it reminded me of how much I love Paris. I have been many times, but not in recent years, so I wanted to go and refresh my memory. My oldest child is also a year 11 student and I thought it might be useful to see Paris from his perspective.

“Rather than plan what we were going to do, both of my children took the lead. We walked miles every day, but they both had a fantastic time. My son was very keen to try snails and he loved them. My daughter not so much! We saw all the key sights and walked to Montparnasse Tower, which is going to be part of the trip with school. Having recently visited the places that we’ll be going to in April, I now have much more information to try and make the trip as enjoyable and interesting for our students as I possibly can.”

As for her GCSE students themselves, how do they feel about the upcoming experience? “The trip has created a real buzz and a positive vibe in the classroom. Immediately after launching the idea, I was asked so many questions and they couldn't wait to sign up for it!”

Year 11 French GCSE student, Laura S, said: "I am really excited to go to Paris with school. I think it will be a great experience and a good learning opportunity. I have been to France before, however I am looking forward to experiencing the French culture with my friends.”

The trip’s organisers are currently exploring fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to help purchase hoodies for all students and, in the case of the dance students, the costumes needed for their performance.

If any businesses or organisations are in a position to help support this aim, please contact Jamie Hughes for further information: hughesj@wscampus.net

The trip will take place between Friday, 4th and Sunday, 6th April 2025.

ABOVE: The group of GCSE dance students, comprising students from years 9, 10 and 11, who have successfully passed an audition to perform at Disneyland Paris in April 2025.