Dancers put best foot forward at contest

SMART MOVES: Wanganui Girls' College students demonstrate the dance moves that took them to the top of a recent dance-off. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 140814WCSMDANCE1

Wanganui Girls' College students danced their way to success, earning four trophies in the Wanganui heat of the Dancenzmade inter-school competition last Wednesday night.

The girls won the Year 9-10 trophy, Year 11-13 open championship and overall trophies, which their teacher said were the "cherries on the top" of their success.

"We have been so impressed with their commitment in choreographing some of the dances and their ability to manage themselves in organising rehearsals," said teacher Robyn Gorton.

Despite spraining her ankle at the dress rehearsal, student Olivia Patchett, 14, danced in the competition on Wednesday night and said it was worth it.

"I've sprained the tendons and I need to stay off it for a couple of weeks, but I couldn't have missed the competition."

The students have worked with Mrs Gorton, Nita Pond and Caroline Rhodes to reach their peak in time for the competition, which saw Cullinane College take out second place in the Year 11-13 open category and St Johns Hill School gained first place in the Year 3-6 category.

Dancenzmade was launched by dancer Dean McKerras to "embrace dance 'Downunder' in a friendly relaxed atmosphere" and has grown into an annual competition.

The national final will be held in Palmerston North on September 19.