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House Dance is always one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Wellington calendar. The performances on the night may take centre stage, but the real magic of the competition begins long before anyone steps onto the dance floor.
Since the start of term, rehearsals have taken over communal spaces across the Houses. Common rooms have become makeshift dance studios, while lawns, corridors and even football pitches have provided the backdrop as routines have gradually come together.
It is this build-up that makes House Dance such a special part of life at Wellington.
Bringing together pupils from across year groups, the competition is an opportunity for every member of a House to get involved. Routines need to be choreographed, rehearsals organised, music chosen and large groups of pupils somehow brought together in time for the big night. Along the way, new friendships are formed, younger pupils get to know those in the years above them and individuals have the opportunity to step forward and lead.
By Friday evening, weeks of rehearsals, encouragement, laughter and hard work had transformed into a brilliant celebration of House spirit.
In front of an enthusiastic audience, each House took its turn to perform, with an incredible amount of creativity, energy and commitment on display. While there was plenty of competitive spirit, House Dance has always been about far more than simply winning. It is an event that brings Houses closer together and, for one evening, brings the whole College together too.
And, perhaps most importantly, it is enormous fun.
That was certainly clear from the celebrations as this year’s results were announced. Congratulations go to Apsley, who won the Small Dance category, while Beresford and Combermere claimed third and second place respectively in the Large Dance competition.
The biggest celebrations of the evening belonged to Orange, whose fantastic performance saw them crowned the overall winners of House Dance 2026.
The reaction of the prize winners showed just how much the competition means to those involved and how much work had gone into reaching that moment.
This year’s performances were judged by an outstanding panel bringing a wealth of professional dance and performance experience. Paul Clarke, a former principal ballet dancer and renowned Rambert School ballet teacher of 17 years, was joined by Jon Clayton, an experienced musical theatre performer and competition judge across the UK and Europe; Carol Lee Meadows, a West End and Broadway choreographer with experience across television and film; and Marina Hammond, an OW and graduate of London Studio Centre and its graduate performance company, INTOTO DANCE.
Our thanks go to all four judges for giving their time and expertise, and to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s competition possible.
Above all, congratulations to every pupil who threw themselves into House Dance this year. The performances may last only a few minutes, but the friendships, memories and sense of belonging created along the way are what make the competition such an important, and much-loved, part of Wellington life.
