Portsmouth Guildhall Trust hopes to see Dance Live return

The performing arts have been hit hard during the pandemic but the trust is hoping to host a Dance Live event next year and has asked schools and colleges to register.

The competition, which was a new event for 2020, invites young people between the ages of seven to 18 to take to the stage and perform creative dance routines that are choreographed to the backdrop of a giant digital screen.

Many teenagers and young people were left disappointed this year after having performed in the heats they saw the final curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After featuring more than 2,000 young people from 39 schools the final was eventually played out virtually online.

Despite not being able to perform in front of a live audience the inaugural event was still a big hit with schools who took part.

A statement from Solent Junior School in Drayton said: ‘An amazing first Dance Live. So wonderful to have such an experienced judge who knows what he is looking for. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The event was well organised and the children had a fantastic time and loved the big screen.’

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The Dance Live production provides skill development workshops for participants before pupils produce graphics for the big screen to accompany their performance. The initiative aims to raise aspirations and develop technical skills as well as providing the opportunity for many youngsters to perform on stage for the first time.

Dance Live was launched by the Guildhall after Rock Challenge – a separate event which started in Portsmouth several years ago – was cancelled for 2020.

With the government having announced theatres can reopen with reduced capacities from August 1, the Guildhall Trust are hopeful of returning Dance Live to the stage.

A spokesman said: ‘A final decision to proceed will be made based on the government guidelines regarding social distancing available at the time registration is complete (before September 18).’

Schools can register via the trust’s website.

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