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University of East London performing arts students dance for the Queen

Monday 9 May 2011

 

Students from the University of East London Institute for Performing Arts Development (IPAD) caused tourists to stop in their tracks this morning when they instigated a flash mob dance performance outside the gates of Buckingham Palace.

Starting with just four dancers, the group quickly grew to over a hundred, with students emerging from all corners of the crowd, as astonished and delighted bystanders grabbed their cameras and phones to record the show.

Themed on the story of Romeo and Juliet, following on from the Royal Wedding less than two weeks ago, numbers grew as the crowds gathered until dancing students filled the square in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial. The stunt also quickly made headlines across the world.  

The performance comprised part of a 12 week module for 2nd year Dance: Urban Practice students, organised in collaboration with Big Dance, London’s Legacy Trust UK programme, which is planning the world’s biggest dance event to take place next year.  

The seemingly spontaneous performance was planned by Buckingham Palace to coincide with a reception this evening, hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, to honour young people working and studying in the performing arts.

UEL Vice Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee said: ““Our Performing Arts students certainly made an impression this morning, delivering their performance with huge energy and talent. It’s wonderful to see Her Majesty the Queen supporting young people and the performing arts in this way and of course a huge honour for our students to have been involved.”

UEL dance student Lucy Sam said: “the choreography had been inspired by the royal wedding and explored romance using urban dance techniques. Our theme was Romeo and Juliet because of the royal wedding. It was an amazing opportunity that I didn't want to miss out on. Everyone was so excited but the nerves didn't hit us until today. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the crowd loved it. It was definitely successful."

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This was an exciting way to celebrate the Royal Family’s support for the Performing Arts. It also brings to the fore the talented youngsters coming out of our colleges who will help ensure London remains at the vanguard of dance and creativity.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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