Pupils at a Baldock school took part in a truly global undertaking on Friday when they and more than 40,000 others in 43 countries performed the same three-minute routine at the same time.

The Comet: Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine.Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine. (Image: Archant)

The team of 11 girls at Hartsfield JMI School have given up their lunch break every Monday since January to learn the Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine, created by choreographer Akram Khan – and they were delighted to at last show it to their classmates at 1pm.

“The girls did incredibly well,” said organiser Debbie Sheringham, who is the mum of two kids at the school and volunteers there as a dance teacher.

“This is just for the love of the dance. The point is to spread the word that it’s something anyone can do, it’s not just about high kicks, fast turns or thumping music.

“I think for me the highlight was how the kids who were watching actually watched – it was quite an unusual dance with quite lofty themes like migration, and they didn’t laugh or squirm.

The Comet: Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine.Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine. (Image: Archant)

“They were a very appreciative audience and I think everyone understands a bit more now about what dance is all about.”

Debbie is planning to teach a dance club at the school from September, as well as one for adults at Baldock Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday nights.

For more see baldockcommunitycentre.org.uk.

The Comet: Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine.Hartsfield JMI School perform their Big Dance Pledge 2016 routine. (Image: Archant)