They’re waiting for a new school campus at Berwick Academy but in the meantime students will be encouraged not to let the grass grow under their feet.
A new dance residency for the current academic year, starting after October half term, has been announced by The Maltings (Berwick) Trust.
It will be led by dance artist Pagan Hunt, originally from Shropshire but now based in Gateshead, who is also a choreographer and facilitator.
The residency is part of an ongoing partnership between the school and the arts body aimed at bringing professional artists into the school community
Pagan is co-director of Pelican Theatre (with fellow dancer Ellie Bates) and co-creator of music and movement project Flip the Switch. She has performed with companies nationally and internationally.
As part of the residency, she will work with students and staff, using dance and movement to encourage creativity, build confidence and explore new ways of expressing ideas.
The partnership will provide opportunities for students to experience professional dance practice, develop their creative skills and be involved in creating new work.
Pagan said: “I’m really excited to be spending the next year within the school community at Berwick Academy.
“I’m looking forward to supporting students and staff to access their creativity and build confidence through movement.
“I hope we can co-create a meaningful dance programme together that has a lasting impact on the school and the wider community in Berwick.”
Berwick Academy deputy head Leanne Watson said: “Having a professional artist working alongside our staff and students throughout the year creates a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience dance in a different way, develop their confidence and discover what they can achieve through creativity and collaboration.”
Ros Lamont, CEO of The Maltings, expressed delight at being able to continue the residency partnership with the support of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
“Bringing professional artists and young people together for sustained periods through the year, every year, is a crucial part of our role in Berwick,” she said.
She added that it would ensure young people got opportunities to explore their creativity and self-expression, building skills that would enrich every aspect of their lives for the long term.