So, this last few weeks have been crazy but Thursday was totally worth the extra craziness to experience being on the Blue Peter set!
Thanks to my friend Louise who invited us along with her dancers. 13 of the Sylk students appeared on Blue Peter LIVE over the last two weeks.
I was unable to join the first group filming at Media City in Manchester, as it was our first week back after summer. After hearing what an amazing experience it was, I decided I had to go the following week. I was also extremely jealous of their Blue Peter Badges and hoped to get one for myself!
When I arrived at the studio the dancers were already there and sitting very quietly. I think some were a little nervous of what it was all going to be like. After our briefing we were lead to the studio and the nerves changed to excitement. I was particularly giddy and I wasn’t even going on the show!
My excitement only increased when I saw them handing out the Blue Peter badges to the kids. I crept forwards and was so desperate to say ‘can I have one please?’ but I wimped out!!! So still no badge for me. Then it was time for the kids to rehearse, they sat on the steps chatting with the crew and the presenters. I thought it was great how they made the kids feel relaxed and happy in the environment before running through the show.
This particular show was celebrating 80 years of Batman, so the studio was very impressive. With a real Batmobile and Bat Pod as well as costumes from the films, which we were able to look at during the break before filming. At first I wasn’t sure if we were allowed to just walk around on set, but the kids lead the way with their mobiles and started taking selfies with the batman figures. So, I was soon on my feet with my camera too! The crew were happy for us to look around though and the kids even got to stroke the Blue Peter dog Henry (who thought it would be hilarious to bark as soon as the live filming started). We explored, took a million selfies and had the time of our lives, making the most of the amazing opportunity.
Before we knew it, it was time to start the live show. The kids were as comfortable as ever and I watched them throwing a few shapes on the stage and lounging around, just before presenters Lindsey and Richie welcomed everyone. My heart was pounding! I was so nervous for them, but there was no need to be at all. I sat there watching as my children (yes, they are my children), read out letters, asked questions and basically presented the show, I was bursting with pride. I was excited and overjoyed but mostly, so proud of them.
Sylk Dance Academy is a dance school but its not all about the dancing. For me its about giving children opportunities. The opportunity to be confident, the opportunity to meet and work with new people, the opportunity to put themselves out there (live to the world) and not care about what anybody thinks and the opportunity to do something they are proud of. I think this is an experience that will stay with the children for a long time and it will stay with me too. Thanks to everyone who came and to anyone who couldn’t make it we have plenty more opportunities coming soon.
