Burnley pupils get into the Olympic spirit at Tokyo-themed dance competition

St Stephens C of E Primary School took first place

Held at Blessed Trinity RC High School, 96 children explored Tokyo’s rich oriental culture by creating dance routines from traditional Japanese style moves inspired by martial arts and the country’s booming hip-hop scene all in celebration of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Year 11 pupils studying GCSE Dance at Blessed Trinity High School judged the competition, awarding first prize to St Stephen’s C of E Primary School who will now go on to represent Burnley at the SPAR Lancashire School Games’ county dance final, held at Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens on May 5th.

Padiham Green C of E Primary School placed second, with Padiham Primary School securing third, and Briercliffe Primary School placing fourth. Also taking part were St Joseph’s Parkhill School and St Augustine’s RC Primary School.

St Stephens C of E Primary School performing

Ed Smart, sports coach at St Stephen’s, said: “This was such an amazing experience for the children, they have been in dreamland since winning and can’t wait to get going again for Blackpool.

“The SPAR Lancashire School Games has been a brilliant way of teaching the children about different cultures and how diverse the world is, providing a wealth of experience and the chance to perform in front of a large crowd.”

Ed added: “What our children have taken away from this experience will stay with them forever and I would definitely recommend other schools taking part in the games. They can’t wait to perform at the Winter Gardens!”

Helen Tyson, Lancashire School Games Organiser for Burnley, said: “I was blown away by the creativity of all schools’ routines and the varying interpretations of the concept of Tokyo and the Olympics. We saw 27 Geishas in full Japanese costume, 13 Japanese parasols, 5 Olympic rings, 9 mascots and 2 Olympic torches.

“All schools had all put in a tremendous amount of work but St Stephens’ had a fantastic finale, which really bought to life the power of the Olympic Games. I wish them the very best of luck for the next stage of the competition where they will be proudly representing Burnley.”

To find out more about the SPAR Lancashire School Games, visit www.lancashireschoolgames.co.uk.