Seven up for dance moves

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 01 June 2016


PUPILS from seven Oldham primary schools showed all the right moves when they took part in the rugby league Summer Bash in Blackpool.

They did a dance routine during half-time in Oldham's game against Swinton Lions.

The Championship's version of Super League's Magic Weekend featured several matches at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC, over the bank holiday weekend.

And while the Lions beat Oldham 25-24, that didn't take the shine off their moment in the limelight for 120 children from Alexandra Park, Green Hill, Holy Rosary, Medlock Valley, St Hugh's, St Margaret's and Richmond primary schools.

The club had received a £8,100 Lottery grant for the Oldham Moves project, which aims to get more boys and girls interested in dance. Hathershaw College assistant principal Lorna Philip said: "It was delightful to see the 120 Oldham youngsters take to the field at half-time and perform the dance they had been learning for six weeks.

"The children burst onto the pitch in their bright T-shirts displaying the Oldham club crest and got a standing ovation.

"The dancers were supported by their parents, head teachers, teachers and other school staff who all took time to support them."

The dance project will continue with a weekly club at Hathershaw College and there are already plans for the children to dance in similar projects in the Four Nations at Headingley and Wembley.