Dancing for Russia and England!

27th Jan, 2009, by J Owens

This week The Kings of Wessex School welcomed Orchid Dance, a Russian youth dance group from the town of Pereslavl-Zalessky, 100 miles north of Moscow, on an exchange with Danzatak Youth Dance Company.

The girls aged between 13 to 17 years have been attending lessons with their British pairs at both The Kings of Wessex School and King Alfred School in Burnham-on-Sea. There was a welcome reception at The Kings of Wessex on Monday with singing by the choir and they have also been kept on their toes with dance workshops and a disco. Earlier in the week they practised their moves with Oscar Anderson of BBC's Casualty, and gave a performance for Year 9 students today (Thursday).

For some of the Russians, this was their first time outside Russia - and even travelling on an aeroplane. They found time to do some sightseeing in London, Wells and Bath, as well as trying an English breakfast and other delights.

Danzatak Leader Dr Alec Brice obtained a British Council grant to fund the visit, and the girls were escorted by their Headteacher and a regional Director of Education.

Headteacher Chris Richardson said, "We were delighted to welcome members of Orchid Dance from Russia to England, and I have been pleased to see the girls sharing their cultural experiences."