STUDENTS from The Gryphon School in Sherborne competed in the dance and drama competition ‘Dance Live’ on Valentine's Day.

Dance Live is a new event, which fuses dance and theatre with all aspects of digital technology. The event challenges schools to embrace today’s digital culture by creating a performance piece, which is largely dance-based. Dance Live wanted schools to be highly creative, developing an original piece of work using video and sound on a large LED screen.

The competition saw eight schools from across the South of England showcase a seven-minute performance on their chosen theme at The Portsmouth Guildhall in Portsmouth. 90 students from The Gryphon School performed a piece entitled ‘A Chance of Survival’ and explored the true story of the astonishing expedition of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they attempted to climb the Siula Grande, Peru in 1985. Disaster strikes when a perilous storm leaves Joe hanging from a treacherous drop tethered to Simon. Simon is faced with a brutal decision. Will he stay attached and freeze to death or cut the rope?

The whole production was led by four students, who choreographed the performance, ran rehearsals, created ideas for set and costume as well as selecting the soundtrack. Additionally, the school’s two-minute ‘Journey to Dance Live’ video and LED Screen projection was created by two Year 12 students.

Their impressive work was recognised by the Dance Live judges who awarded the school the prestigious ‘Journey to Dance Live Video Award’.

The Gryphon Dance Live team delivered an outstanding performance and were awarded second-place overall, meaning they qualify for the finals on Saturday, April 25.

Holly Young, Head of Drama at The Gryphon School, said: “We are so proud of the work that the students have put into this; the performance was exceptional and really showcased the effort and commitment of the team. We are extremely excited for the finals in April.”