West End dancer puts students through their paces

Canterbury College students have been put through their paces by a dancer who has shared the stage with pop stars Jessie J, Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts and Cher.

Fast feet and plenty of rhythm were needed when professional dancer Rob Anker held a Hip-Hop and House dance workshop at the College on Tuesday, 17 January.

BTEC Level 2 and 3 Performing Arts students learned to match Rob move for move, giving them an insight into what it takes to work in the industry.

Rob, who has danced at the highest level including Some Like It Hip-Hop in the West End and Sky 1’s Got to Dance, was impressed with the students’ technical ability and energy.

He said: “They did very well at picking up the choreography and understand the moves so quickly,” adding: “The facilities at Canterbury College are industry standard and are very good to work in. Having professional dancers working in the business come and teach here allows students to try a more diverse range of styles and have a better chance of making it in the commercial industry.”

Canterbury College invited Rob to run the workshops after he was recommended by Level 3 Performing Arts student Sophie Goodwin.

Sophie, 19, who has danced with former Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless at Capital FM's Summertime Ball at Wembley, got to know Rob because they both train with London-based dance group Animaniacs.

Dance and Dramatic Arts section manager Gill Workman said: “We are very proud of Sophie’s association with Rob and his dance group. As one of Kent’s largest Performing Arts colleges, Canterbury College is uniquely positioned to provide professionals like Rob with excellent dance accommodation to demonstrate his specialist expertise. Our students enjoyed performing with Rob and chatting to him about his experience in the industry.”

Canterbury College offers a wide variety of Dance and Drama courses, ranging from Performing Arts to Theatre Production Arts. To find out more go to canterburycollege.ac.uk/drama-dance.