SADDLEWORTH’S RICH cultural history was brought to life by more than 150 youngsters as they explored the area’s heritage through performance.
Thanks to a £9,800 Heritage Lottery grant, Greenfield-based dance company Born and Bred teamed up with Saddleworth Museum and local schools to discover the most inspiring events. 
Pupils’ research from workshops and trips was translated onto the dance floor and showcased at the Uppermill Civic Hall after just 12 weeks of preparation.
Olivia Burgess, Artistic Director of Born and Bred, said: “All the ideas were from the children themselves, I just helped them put it together. They were wonderful.
“The younger ones tried anything and really went for it. With the different age groups I had to balance expression with ability but I am so pleased with it overall.” 
Year 4 from St Mary’s Greenfield explored the industrial revolution, representing the construction and workings of the Standedge Tunnel in their performance.
Friezland Primary marched and fought in memory of The Peterloo Massacre in Manchester in 1819, exploring battle preparation, secrets, and leadership.
Year 5 from St Mary’s Greenfield focused on World War 2 and the Yanks, inspired by a hike up Pots and Pans, and portrayed children’s war-time games and air raids.
St Edward’s RC Primary remembered Springhead-born suffragette Annie Kenney through their presentation of campaigns, fighting spirit and the Cat and Mouse rule.
And Saddleworth School relived the sixties, from the cheerful pop culture to the more serious avalanche in Wilderness Gulley, Greenfield.
For more information and photos, taken by professional dance photographer Nicola Selby, visit: http://www.dancestry.co.uk
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