This project was run in conjunction with David Ryan at the B.E.L.B. & Pro-Excel, an English-based company who organise dance projects involving performances at major sporting fixtures across the U.K.
In October, pupils from 10 Belfast schools were auditioned, and 6-12 pupils from each school were selected to take part. We sent along over 30 of our most talented and enthusiastic dancers.
11 of our girls were selected as dancers & 1 as a media presenter.
All of our girls then went to the week-long intensive training course over half term where they learnt and rehearsed 3 dance routines as choreographed & taught by professional dancers/choreographers.
The aim of this program was to commemorate George Best, 2 years after his death, at various memorial events. The project was enthusiastically supported by Barbara Best McNarry (George Best‘s sister) and her husband Norman, who both manage the George Best Foundation.
Barbara came along to watch the rehearsals over half-term & was very moved by the talent & commitment displayed and was honoured that the project was being run in memory of George. They were overwhelmed that the kids involved wanted to celebrate the life & memory of George in such a unique way.
The first of the performance events was held on Friday 16th November, at the Under 21 Northern Ireland football match in Lurgan. Our girls had the opportunity to walk out onto the pitch at half time during this international fixture and to perform their routines in front of a very emotional crowd.
The second performance was at a charity event for the Make a Wish Foundation, on Sunday 2nd December, at the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn. This event was hosted by the BBC‘s John Daly, who was enthralled by the pupils energy & enthusiasm. The children who attended the event were all special needs children with various physical & mental disabilities, for whom it was an honour for our girls to perform.
The third, and most significant event was held in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, on Monday 3rd December. For this event, Barbara & her husband Norman assisted the program greatly, helping to secure sponsorship from Flybe for our own private plane (The George Best Airplane!). They also travelled with us to Manchester to see the show for themselves, as well as spending more time chatting to the pupils about George. This was a very emotional journey for Barbara, as this was the 2nd anniversary of George‘s funeral.
Upon arrival at the airport, television cameras caught all the excitement as the kids came off the plane, and we were then whisked away firstly to Old Trafford, the ”Theatre of Dreams“!
Everyone was given a V.I.P. tour of the famous Manchester United football stadium where George played for so many successful years. We then spent some time hearing stories about George from a former team mate - Pat Crerand! (Ask your dads!)
A short time later, we were whisked off again, this time to the Trafford Centre to get ready for the performance on stage! This was the highlight of the day for our girls, who as always were in their element when they are dancing! They performed twice for another emotional crowd of onlookers, and came off the stage full of excitement and pride in their achievement!
From day 1 of the project the action was captured on film, some of this has already been seen on UTV life. The team from Pro-Excel are now in the process of putting all the footage together and creating a DVD of the project. This will be aired at a movie premier style event, which all the pupils involved will attend. They will receive a copy of the DVD as a memento of their experience.
Once again I am so very proud of our girls, who continue to give their all in any dance projects we offer them! They always give their BEST! I think George would have been very proud too!
There were 12 pupils involved in this program:
· Lauren Whyte
· Stephanie Watters
· Melissa Harrison
· Lori Gorman
· Joanne Porter (media)
· Jodie Graham
· Melanie Cooper
· Lynne Carrigan
· Megan McDermott
· Chelsea Crothers
· Jenny Clements
· Naomi Gray
