School sweeps the Challenge board
Petersfield pupils were dancing for joy after they swept the board at a prestigious performing arts competition.
The Petersfield School snatched the top spot and four other awards to win the southern section of the Rock Challenge grand final last week.
According to the contest’s organisers the result makes the performing arts specialist school one of the top two or three out of 450 schools that entered.
The youngsters’ performance of their routine, called Amber Alert, impressed judges with its maturity and control.
It focused on the plight of missing children and drew its name from the American Amber Alert system which is used to find abducted youngsters quickly.
Stuart MacGregor, of the Rock Challenge, said: “We were really pleased with Petersfield. It was quite a poignant piece.
“The fact that young people had covered such a sensitive subject with such maturity was very impressive. They gave the piece some structure and they really tugged on our heartstrings.
“The audience was really drawn into it.” He also commented on the fact that the youngsters themselves were involved in the choreography.
More than 120 children were involved in the production that picked up Best Concept Interpretation, Best Set, Best Choreography and Best Lighting Design before being announced as the overall winners.
Their victory, at the Portsmouth Guildhall last Wednesday places the talented teenagers in next year’s Premier League, where they will compete against the best dance acts from schools around the nation.
TPS’ director of performing arts and choreographer, Lisa Baker, said she knew her team of students had everything it took to win. She said: “During the final, nailbiting moments, as the ultimate winner was announced, the TPS team sat in the dressing room in a circle, holding hands and waiting.
“Finally, the Guildhall roof was raised as The Petersfield School was named Rock Challenge South Overall Champions 2008.”
Headteacher Nigel Poole said he felt “incredibly proud” of all the students and staff involved and added: “What a great way to mark the school’s 50th anniversary.”
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Weather for Petersfield
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 26 C
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