Portsmouth dance competition to be live streamed due to Covid-19 restrictions
A POPULAR dance competition is being taken to the virtual world this year.
Organisers of the Dance Live competition are determined that the show must go on, so The Guildhall Trust is working alongside schools and colleges to make it happen.
Instead of hosting heats in March and the final in April at Portsmouth Guildhall, organisers will film the dancers performing at their places of study instead.
They will then judge and stream them in a grand final set to be held in June.
Producer Cherry Lambert said: ‘It would have been easy to cancel our events for this year, but we know how much work teachers and their pupils have put into preparing their performances and adapting to the changing Covid-19 guidelines since September, so we really wanted to find a safe way for the event to happen and not be another disappointment.
‘We are putting extensive plans in place to minimise any contact or risk in visiting schools with the option of settings recording their own performances if necessary.’
Candice Doughty, a teacher at Mayville High School, added: ‘Considering the challenges over the last year, it is fantastic for our pupils to have such a wonderful experience to look forward to.
‘The team spirit that Dance Live provides is a welcome break from the solitude that Covid-19 has inflicted.
‘Performing arts is a vital form of expression for all and is a very positive platform for improving motivation, with the physical and creative aspects beneficial for mental health.’
It is anticipated that Dance Live will return to its normal format in 2022.
For more information go to portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/get-involved.