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20.
June
2019.
Dame Darcey Bussell DBE Makes Special Visit to Cardiff School for Dance Competition

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE will judge a national dance competition, hosted at Cardiff West Community High School on Saturday 29, June.

The TV star and accomplished ballerina will visit Cardiff to judge theDiverse Dance Mix (DDMIX), aUK wide initiative which has seen entries from over 5,000 children and young people across the country.

With the aim of engaging children in creativity, culture, fitness and dance, 13 Cardiff schools have been chosen to take part in the regional final, and will perform in front of Dame Darcey,The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Dan De'Athand a live audience.

The pupils, aged between seven and 12 years, are from the following schools;Ysgol Gynradd Creigiau, Ysgol Bro Eirwg, Christ the King Primary, Howardian Primary, Trelai Primary, Coed Glas Primary, Grangetown Primary, Bryn Hafod Primary, Meadowland Primary, Holy Family RC Primary, Cardiff High School, St Bernadette's Catholic Primary and Cardiff West Community High School.

Opened in September 2017, Cardiff West Community High School moved to its new home in April 2019, with the brand new school representing a £36m investment in the local community.

The school was selected to host the event because, as a Lead Creative School, it has forged links with some of the biggest names in Cardiff's arts industries through a ‘Creative Education Partnership', promoting creative skills which can be applied to future careers and jobs.  This is in addition to the modern, state-of-the-art facilities and well equipped creative spaces that it has on offer.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Cardiff is a creative, diverse and multicultural city which places culture, creativity and innovation at its heart.

"It is therefore apt that this event should take place at Cardiff West Community High School, a Lead Creative School which has established partnerships with some of the city's leaders in the creative sector.

"This event provides young people across the city the chance to experience live performance using modern state-of-the-art creative spaces in one of the city's new state-of-the art, 21stCentury Schools.

"It promotes health, wellbeing and confidence through dance and fitness and celebrates our young people and their communities, whilst inspiring them for the future.

"I would like to welcome Dame Darcey to Cardiff and I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck."

Headteacher of Cardiff West Community High School, Martin Hulland said: "The school's motto here at Cardiff West is"Create your World"and we promote creativity at the heart of learning, a great way to embed these principles ahead of the new curriculum.

"We have only been in our new home for a short few months, so to host Dame Darcey and her dance event is an honour and provides us with the opportunity to showcase the schools excellent facilities.

"Our pupils are very excited, as I'm sure are all the other schools taking part, and I wish Dame Darcey, performers, guests and visitors an enjoyable event."

Commenting on the forthcoming event in Cardiff, Dame Darcey, said: "I'm delighted to work with schools across the country during this exciting competition, promoting health and fitness through dance. Best of luck to you all!"

The event will also include performances from specially invited guests including Britain's Got Talent star, the mesmerising illusionist and magician, MADDOX, who will entertain the crowd with his unique talent, as well as the Magic Circle's Wayne Fox.