Parents of the four Helston Community College students selected to lead this year's Children's Dance on Flora Day are 'buzzing' that their children will lead the biggest dance of the day.
The Children's Dance is the largest dance of the day with more than 1,200 children taking part. The dance commences from Wendron Street at 9.50am on Flora Day, which for 2023 takes place on on May 5, due to the King's Coronation the following day.
This year, more than 600 pupils from Helston Community College will be joined by pupils from Helston's primary schools, Parc Eglos, Nansloe Academy and St Michael's.
The first couple of the four from Heslton Community College, leading the dance this year, will be Ollie Paterson, 18 and Neve Goodwin, 16.
This is the second time Neve has been honoured in the Children's Dance after leading her year group in year two.
She said: “This time around, it hasn’t hit me yet that I will be leading the whole of the Children's Dance."
Her partner, ex-Nansloe pupil Ollie Paterson has danced every year since he was younger.
“I am so excited and ready for the day,” Ollie said.
Following Neve and Ollie are Amy Hall, 16 and Josh Hichens, 17. Amy has danced every year since she was a pupil in Parc Eglos. She said: “It’s a lot of pressure, but I am so excited.”
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Her partner Josh, who is also an ex-pupil of Nansloe Academy is looking forward to the day, saying: “I’m feeling pretty good about it, I am all prepared.”
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This will be the first time that Alex has been a part of Flora Day after taking over leadership from ex-headmaster Wayne Jenkins in September. Alex said: “I haven’t experienced the day, but I have seen pictures and videos and it shows how much of a close community Helston is.
“I am very proud to be walking alongside the children on the day.”
This year’s celebrations are also very special for teacher Pippa Renyard who will celebrate her tenth year of being a dance coordinator. Pippa said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to be in this role.
“When I was a pupil in the school I danced every year, it’s a massive part of my family.
“This year we have seen a more significant intake of year eight pupils who enjoyed dancing so much last year, they want to do it again this year.
“It’s going to be a special year and a privilege to see pupils unifying as a college.”
As the students get prepared for their big moment, their parents spoke of their delight at their children being chosen to lead the biggest dance of the day.
Pippa said: “When I phoned the parents to tell them their children were selected to be in the leading set, they were absolutely thrilled, they were 'buzzing' which makes it even more magical.”
With the big day only two and a half weeks away, the school is gearing up for the big day with its annual rehearsal the day before on the school field with the Flora Day song being played on the drums and brass from the music department.
The Children's Dance sets off from Wendron Street at 9.50am. It will then go up and back down Meneage Street, before turning into Church Street and Cross Street, where it will head towards Penhellis Gardens before progressing down through Tanyard Lane to Lady Street. The dance then goes around the Bowling Green before finishing on Coinagehall Street.
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