Angmering School pupils in Rock Challenge final

A dance troupe from The Angmering School is looking forward to competing in the final of the national competition, Rock Challenge, after winning the regional heat.

The 49-strong team took their piece, based on the July 7/7 bombings in London, to Eastbourne last month, and is now looking forward to the south east final, in Portsmouth.

Jo Hodson-Prior, head of dance at the school, said: “I am still overwhelmed that we won Rock Challenge this year, against an extremely high standard of pieces, one of which focused on the 7/7 bombings, too.

“This was the biggest cast we have ever taken to Rock Challenge and I would like to thank them for their commitment, and the extreme levels of dedication and enthusiasm they brought to the work.”

Some of the costumes, for firefighter and police officer characters, were loaned by Sussex Police and Bognor fire crews, and Jo thanked them for their help.

She added it was important to her and the students to handle the subject sensitively.

She said: “I showed the dancers lots of footage of news reports following the aftermath of the attacks and eyewitness accounts.

“It really helped the students to understand what we were trying to convey and ultimately contributed to them being able to demonstrate their characters effectively.

David Brixey, Angmering’s head teacher, said he was “over the moon” at the win. “We have gifted dancers, great choreographers and amazing set designers in school, and this all added up to give an outstanding performance.”

The final will be held at Portsmouth Guildhall on June 3.