DCB Students Get MADD in Shanghai!

Last week, a select group of students from Years 5 and 6 travelled to Shanghai to participate in the first in-person MADD Festival since 2019! The MADD Festival is a much-loved tradition for Dulwich students and staff alike. As a celebration of the creative arts, the acronym MADD stands for music, art, drama and dance. This event happens annually and brings together Year 5 and 6 students from all Dulwich and Dehong schools to collaborate and celebrate together and schools take turns hosting the event. Our host this year was Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi.

At this year’s festival, students participated in art, choir, orchestra, world percussion, rock band, dance and drama groups, working with students and teachers from other schools. Drama students had the opportunity to work with UK author Adam Bushnell as their guest clinician. During the day on Thursday and Friday, students participated in sessions and rehearsals, preparing their work and performances. Students also had the opportunity to see a concert performed by a Chinese traditional chamber ensemble that performed all kinds of music ranging from video game music to movie soundtracks to Argentine tango to traditional Shanghainese music- it was a real treat! 

On Saturday, all students presented their work from the festival. Music groups performed a concert on an outdoor stage. Students in drama performed a collection of myths with a script and story created by the students themselves. Dance performed three pieces and included both Chinese traditional dance and contemporary styles. The artists created Brazilian Carnaval-inspired clothing using recycled material and presented the designs in a fashion show. It was a fun-filled event for all students involved!

Well done to all the students who participated! We are looking forward to travelling to Suzhou for next year’s MADD festival.