Southwark College dance students lit up the stage at MOVE IT 2026, a three-day international dance event held at Excel London over the weekend.
MOVE IT brings together performers, industry professionals and training providers from across the country and beyond offering students a unique opportunity to perform in a professional setting and connect with the wider dance community.
As part of the event, our students performed in Friday’s live show, which welcomed an audience of over 13,000 attendees. Performing on a professional stage in front of such a large audience was a big opportunity for students to showcase their talent, versatility and stage presence while proudly representing Southwark College.
The group delivered two contrasting routines: a high-energy medley and a slower, expressive piece. Across both performances, they demonstrated confidence, and strong technical ability, blending multiple dance styles genres.
Students also took part in the MOVE IT freestyle stage, where Southwark’s own Jorge delivered a standout performance. His spontaneous contemporary routine impressed both the audience and judges, earning him a place in the final round alongside four other dancers.
Reflecting on the experience, Level 3 Dance student Amaira said: "I enjoyed the entire opportunity and experience of MOVE IT. The rehearsals were intense and engaging and as a team we all showed true passion throughout every rehearsal. Going to MOVE IT gave us something to bond over, and through the rehearsal process we all grew as performers and learnt the true meaning of being artists.
The performance experience was surreal and magical – being on stage in front of a big audience gave us so much pride in our hard work, and all the dedication paid off. Being surrounded by so many other dancers also felt amazing. It was comforting to know so many people feel passionate and devoted to dance."
Taking part in an event of this scale gave students valuable insight into the professional dance industry, while helping to build confidence, resilience and stage presence. Alongside their own performances, students explored a wide range of dance styles, attended workshops and connected with professionals from across the sector.
Opportunities like MOVE IT play an important role in supporting students’ progression into further study and careers within the creative industries. By engaging in live, industry-focused experiences, students can apply their skills in real-world settings and develop the confidence needed to succeed.
Southwark College is incredibly proud of our students for representing the College with professionalism, creativity and enthusiasm. To find out more about courses in dance and in wider creative arts, visit: southwark.ac.uk/creativearts
