Students Take Centre Stage at Lionheart’s Dance Competition
On International Dance Day, performers from across Lionheart Educational Trust schools showcased their talents at LET’s Dance 2026, our annual dance competition that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Performing and competing against their peers, students from our nine secondary schools fully embraced the opportunity, dazzling the 200-strong crowd at The Cedars Academy’s Theatre.
The competition featured a wide variety of dance styles - all chosen and choreographed by the students – with performances ranging from contemporary to commercial, and tap to classical Indian dance.
The event was a fitting celebration of the arts in education and, throughout the day, students from all schools showed genuine support for one another, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere both on stage and behind the scenes.
The independent judging panel of experts* assessed each dance for choreography, musicality, timing and performance, before selecting winners in three categories.
The Results
Juniors (Year 7 and 8)
1st – Belle, Evie, Isabella and Esmay (The Cedars Academy)
2nd – Amelia and Ruby (Humphrey Perkins School) and Jagoda and Naya (The Castle Rock School)
3rd – Sophie, Sonia, Thea, Matilda and Izzy (The Cedars Academy)
Inters (Year 9 and 10)
1st – Bella (Martin High School)
2nd – Fin (The Castle Rock School)
3rd – Lily (The Newbridge School) and Amelie (Martin High School)
Seniors (Year 11 - 13)
1st – Maycee (The Castle Rock School)
2nd – Charlie (The Cedars Academy) and Millie (The Castle Rock School)
3rd – Destiny (Mercia Academy)
Additionally, Akaal from Beauchamp College won the competition’s overall prize. He wowed judges with two outstanding performances, with musical numbers from Aladdin ‘Friend Like Me’ and ‘Ladies’ Choice’ from Hairspray.
LET’s Dance continues to provide an important platform for students across Lionheart schools to perform, develop confidence and celebrate the value of the performing arts.
*Judging the dancers were Vanessa Glynn (Lionheart Lead for Performing Arts) alongside Lorraine Douglas (Schools and Partnerships Manager at Curve Theatre).