Performing Arts Week was a joy from start to finish. Seeing so many of our amazing young people step into the spotlight and perform, watched on by their peers and staff, was something we will not forget. Over the week we saw nearly 300 students take part in workshops with ex-HGS students or events, with the whole of Year 7 having a truly inspirational and uplifting interactive experience with the amazing Electric Umbrella! What a privilege and joy it was to see the profound impact that music, singing and dancing can have on us all. 

The week culminated in our big House charity event - HGS’s Got Talent, which saw a range of student performances in front of a sold-out audience. From traditional Hindi singing and guitar-playing, to West End show tunes and school rock bands - it was a wonderful event that rounded off our first ever PAW with a bang - golden buzzer glitter canons and all! In the process we raised a fantastic £760 for Garden House Hospice. 

Below are just some of the wonderful memories made during what was an unmissable week at HGS. 

Daisy (Y11) 

During Performing Arts Week, I was lucky enough to have the chance to play songs I'd written, in front of crowds with my guitar. I was very nervous before each one, but the people around me supported me and by the end of the week I felt incredibly proud of myself and everyone else who performed. I've gained more confidence, and self-belief in performing, which I will carry forward as I continue to play music.

Emmie (Y9) 

I found the Mamma Mia workshop really really fun! It was an amazing opportunity to learn a dance from a professional show, taught by someone who had been in it on a West End stage!! I ended up using one of the pieces of advice she gave, about being on the beat, while dancing in a show I did during half term.

Performing in HGS’s Got Talent was exhilarating! The audience were very supportive and it was a brilliant event to take part in.

Performing in the monologue competition was also very exciting! I got the opportunity to explore a Shakespeare monologue, stretching me to work with text and characters different from ones I often play. It was incredible to watch everyone perform such a variety of monologues!

Mya (Y10) 

I did the Hamilton workshop and I found it really fun! The dance was super interesting to learn and the teaching was very helpful and easy to remember! I would definitely do it again if there was an opportunity to! I also loved performing at the music recital in front of staff, students, friends and family. 

Alissa (Y10) 

I absolutely loved Performing Arts Week, especially the Hamilton dance workshop! Since I already do performing, it was amazing to learn new choreography and really push myself with the energy and style of the routines. It was such a fun challenge and I loved how powerful and expressive the dancing was.

I learnt a lot about precision, timing and performing with confidence, even when the choreography was fast and intense. It definitely inspired me to keep improving and to bring even more energy into my performances. It helped me build on my own dancing, as I learned a lot about what it's like to perform on an actual stage in the West End or other places.

- Mrs Cooper and the Performing Arts Team