World Class Dance for Children’s Rights at RAPS

Called Dance for Rights, the initiative was created by the Royal Ballet and Opera Schools, with Create & Dance and UNICEF. It is inspired by the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Along with thousands of other children, pupils from Year 2 to Year 5 joined in the live-streamed two-hour in-school event.

Led by professional artists from the Royal Ballet, it gave the RAPS groups experience world-class arts education.

The Dance for Rights team explained: “This is more than a dance — it’s a powerful shared experience that helps children understand children’s rights in an active, memorable way; feel part of something bigger, dancing alongside schools nationwide; build confidence and teamwork through learning and dancing together.

RAPS Creative Arts lead Daisy Godwin said: “It was a really fun morning and a chance for the children to channel their creativity.

“It was wonderful seeing the children express themselves through movement for a very important cause.”

The dancers agreed. One year 5 pupil said: “That was so much fun, I really enjoyed moving along with the dancers on screen and learning more about our rights.”

Year 2 were equally as excited, especially when they flashed up on screen and got to wave to other schools across the country.

Head of School Nick Budge said: “Dance is an important part of our broad-based arts experience centrepiece that our children enjoy from day one at RAPS.

“We offer them a range of vibrant opportunities to explore all facets of the arts, and this liaison with the Royal Ballet project enhanced their skills while reinforcing the vital message of children’s rights that we promote ourselves year-round.”

To find out more, go online to www.rbo.org.uk/schools/resource/danceforrights

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847