By Michelle Horst
Students of Hornsea School and Language College are celebrating taking second place in the regional heats of a major dance contest as well as receiving the coveted Technical Award.
Their professional production will see them compete in the Dance Live Finals to be held at the Guildhall in Portsmouth.
Following weeks of dedicated fundraising, the crew of 44 pupils and supporting staff travelled to Blackpool in February to compete in the northern heat of the Dance Live competition. Their hard work saw the school take second place, as well as bringing home Concept and Technical Awards.
Students, parents and staff said they were thrilled with the school’s achievement from their first-ever entry into the competition. Their entry received the highest second place score.
After a nerve-wracking few weeks following their powerful performance, the students have been invited to attend the finals in Portsmouth.
Their efforts in stage design as well as research into the historical true story of Suzanne Martin, who was burned at the stake for being a witch, earned them a wildcard entry into the finals.
For students wanting a career in performing arts, their success is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience performing at this level. The chance also offers insight into the unseen aspects of working in the stage industry.
The talented team now aims to travel to Portsmouth to compete in the final. Coach hire alone will cost more than £2,500, creating another problem for the competitors.
The school’s focus has turned to raising the funds to cover the costs to allow all the students to take part. Once again, students and staff have rallied together, with support from family and friends.
Amy Wood, who is organising the fundraiser, said: “Participating students, their families and friends have already gone above and beyond raising money to enable us to get to the heats.”
Eager pupils have already raised hundreds in hope of taking on this last challenge and are seeking support to afford the travel and accommodation.
Dance Live is an opportunity for pupils and students with a passion for performing arts to create choreographed performances to a set theme.
Anyone wishing to donate, or assist in travel costs, can contact the school office on 01964 532727 on or donate via gofundme.com/f/hslc-dance-live-finals-portsmouth.
