More than just another routine for rugby dancers

OLDHAM dance students will dazzle rugby league fans when they perform at the Four Nations tournament final at Elland Road tomorrow.

Twenty-five pupils from Crompton House School will join 26 from Waterhead Academy to perform to a mix of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in front of a capacity 33,000 crowd before the England v Australia match in Leeds.

Corporate entertainment company Pro-Excel also selected students from Saddleworth School to take part in the performance, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Crompton House troupe, made up of one boy and 24 girls, have spent the last month practising the eight-minute routine, which is made up of contemporary and street dance.

Dance teacher Gilly Wood said: “They’re all really excited about it because they get the chance to perform with professional dancers and on a stage where they will be watched by thousands.”

Waterhead Academy student Sophie Bentley (15) said: “We’ve had a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the last few weeks but it’s been so much fun. It’s really nerve-wracking, thinking about performing in front of all those people but I’m definitely up for the challenge.”