Photograph of the 1935 Junior School sword dancing team, from Novocastrian News, Issue 52 (Spring 1997). RGS Archives [ref: ONA/1/52]
History of Dance
Dance at RGS has evolved from traditional social gatherings to a vibrant co-curricular activity enjoyed by students across all age groups.
The earliest reference to dance at the school can be traced back to 1932, when the Novo magazine reported on a successful Prefects’ Dance on 17 December, hosted by the Headmaster ER Thomas. The Prefects’ Dance remained a popular tradition up until the millennium.
Invitation to the 1983 Prefects Dance. RGS Archives [ref: Acc 0243]
Dance was not just for social events. In 1935, the Junior School had a Sword Dance Team. Sword dancing is a form of traditional Northumberland dancing using ‘swords’ or, in our case, wooden sticks.
Formalised dance activities began to take shape in the 1950s. A Country Dancing Club was established in December 1952. This club evolved into the Scottish Country Dance Society, which remained active from the 1950s through to the mid-1960s. During this period, Barn Dances became a regular fixture, including one held as part of the celebrations for the Centenary of RGS Rugby in 1977. Dances would also welcome girls from nearby schools Central Newcastle High School and Church High School.
A major turning point came in the 21st century. Around 2008, the opening of the Performing Arts Centre marked the beginning of a new era, with professional dance coaches joining the school.
Dance became a structured co-curricular offering, featuring weekly lessons and annual showcases. By the 2014/15 academic year, over 100 students were participating regularly and dance was recognised as one of the most popular performing arts clubs at RGS, as recorded in The Review. House Dance competitions also became a much-loved part of school life, building camaraderie and school spirit.
RGS Dance Show, 9 May 2025. ©RGS Newcastle
RGS Dance Show, 9 May 2025. ©RGS Newcastle
Since the arrival of Dance Specialist Kayleigh Oborka-Letman in 2023, dance at RGS has been fully embedded in the school's PE curriculum, with elements of dance now feeding into the A-Level PE programme.
Dance provision has expanded significantly, with a growing number of co-curricular clubs and the emergence of several dedicated dance companies. These range from intermediate to advanced groups, including Ortus Dance Company, the school’s flagship senior group. Girls' dance has gone from strength to strength, with one of our groups recently entering Dance City’s regional platform PULSE, showcasing the rising calibre and ambition of our dancers.
Another important and progressive development has been the introduction of boys-focused dance opportunities. RGS now proudly supports its first-ever junior and senior boys’ dance companies: Buzz Boys and Boundless Boys. These groups have created space for students of all genders and backgrounds to engage with dance confidently and enthusiastically. Notably, the Boundless Boys became the first RGS dancers to represent the school at a national level, performing at the prestigious No Limits dance festival hosted by Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds.
Dance at RGS continues to flourish as a dynamic, inclusive, and high-achieving element of school life, inspiring creativity, expression, and community among its students.
RGS Dance Show, 9 May 2025. ©RGS Newcastle