Portsmouth Guildhall was buzzing with energy and talent on Wednesday, 26th January, as 50 students from Oasis Academy Mayfield (Years 7-11) took to the stage for Dance Live! 2025. The school's vibrant performance, a journey through iconic musicals via a nostalgic TV channel flick, captivated the audience and judges alike.
The Mayfield team's hard work and dedication paid off, earning them two prestigious awards: Best Costume and the Dance Live Journey Award. This double win is a testament to the students' creativity, teamwork, and the sheer effort poured into their performance.
"This was an outstanding experience for our students, and everyone represented the school exceptionally well. The theme, based on musicals through the years, was brought to life with incredible enthusiasm and skill." Abi Barker, Curriculum Lead for Performing Arts
The students' performance was a collaborative effort, with key roles being filled by talented individuals:
- Oliver G (Year 10): Masterfully created the LED screen and provided crucial technical support.
- Jimmy M (Year 11): Skillfully crafted and edited the music for the performance.
- Eva Lily A (Year 11): Contributed significantly to the choreography.
- James M (Year 11): Designed the impressive lighting for the stage.
- Jamie H (Year 9) & Charlie J (Year 10): Captured the magic of the performance through professional video editing and recording.
- The Year 10 Dance Group: Provided a wealth of creative choreography.
Student testimonials highlighted the positive impact of the experience:
"Dance Live has boosted my confidence with dancing. I love doing this competition because the day itself is really fun, and the atmosphere was amazing. Our hard work did pay off, and I’m looking forward to doing it next year!" - Freya (Year 10)
"Dance Live has honestly been such an amazing experience! I am so grateful that we had this opportunity, and I enjoyed the final performance so much. I loved watching the other schools dance as well, the atmosphere was great!" - Daisy (Year 10)
"I really enjoyed the experience of Dance Live, being part of a team and working together choreographing the dances. I loved performing on the stage in front of an audience and watching the other schools perform. Being a part of the show overall was an amazing experience." - Harper (Year 10)
Dance Live! is an exciting event for schools and colleges brought to you by The Guildhall Trust. It sees young people in KS2-4 and Further Education compete with choreographed routines against the backdrop of a giant digital screen, with pupils showcasing a range of skills from dance and performance to off-stage technical skills.
A huge thank you to all the staff and students who contributed to the success of Dance Live! 2025. With the success of the last two years' performances, excitement is already building for Dance Live 2026. Stay tuned for more information!