Dancers from across the UK made history earlier this year by breaking the world record for the ‘most backing dancers to a singer’. Students performed alongside globally acclaimed music artist, Sigala and Shanice Steele in front of a roaring crowd of over ten thousand spectators. The mass movement dance event organised by Pro-Excel was a monumental pre-game performance to the Bradford Bulls Betfred Super League clash with the Huddersfield Giants. Kieran O’Reilly, spokesperson for Pro Excel, said: “To set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title on this scale is a huge achievement, but more importantly it represents the collective effort of 1,123 young people who committed themselves to the process over many months. To see them perform live in a stadium environment, alongside artists like Sigala and Shanice Steele, is exactly what this project is about. It is about creating moments that stay with them for life.” Pearson were proud to sponsor a group of students from All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby, Liverpool to participate in this opportunity. Students studying BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance) rehearsed tirelessly to execute a world record worthy performance on the night. Dean O’Brien, BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts (Dance) student explained after the event that: “I never pictured myself breaking a Guinness World Record. I remember when I was 8, I got a Guinness World Record book for Christmas and thought I’m going to make it in one of these one day. I’ve just made 8-year-old Dean the happiest boy he could ever be!” It was not just the dedication from the students that made the pre-game performance such a success, but also the work from teachers. Katie Fisher, Subject Leader of Performing Arts at All Saints Catholic High School said that: “Vocational BTEC learning has played a huge role in enabling students to achieve success both in school and in extra curricular work. We were extremely lucky to work with Pearson for the Dance Yorkshire event held at Bradford Bulls stadium.” The BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts (Dance) course allows students to learn and develop practical skills, confidence, and real-world understanding that is needed to thrive. Watching their journey at the Dance Yorkshire event has been genuinely inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished. This opportunity has been incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for the students too, as it has opened doors, raised aspirations, and shown what’s possible when their strengths are recognised and nurtured.” Teaching vocational at KS4 enables students to take a hands-on approach to learning in a way that compliments their GCSE studies. Loved by both teachers and students, BTEC Tech Award qualifications have a focus on application, and evidently can apply classroom learning to achieve real world success. Explore BTEC Tech Award qualifications from Pearson