PUPILS from several Isle of Wight schools travelled to Portsmouth for a dance competition ­— competing against 39 schools and colleges from across the South.

More than 2,000 children were involved in the heats of exciting new dance event, Dance Live! ­— hosted at Portsmouth Guildhall, and were judged by a panel of professionals.

The event featured creative dance routines choreographed to the backdrop of a giant digital screen, in the style of X Factor and The Voice.

Pupils were tasked with creating a seven-minute film to form the backdrop of their performance, as well as a two-minute film explaining the story behind their piece, and their journey to Dance Live!

Niton Primary School, and the Federation of Nettlestone and Newchurch Primary School, successfully danced their way to the finals in April ­— both placing third in the junior heats.

Ryde Academy also reached the finals, emerging as the winners of their senior heat.

Among the nine Island schools participating were Lanesend Primary School, Medina House School, The Bay CE Primary, Christ the King College, Medina College and Ryde School.

Nettlestone Primary School teacher, Laura Feist, said: "The children performed their version of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

"They took on a really active role — facepainting, working with green screens and designing costumes and props.

"It was a really perfect day, performing on the big stage, and the children left buzzing.

"They're very excited for the final. There's a lot of stiff competition, but the children are already thinking about improvements they can make to their performance.

"It's brought some of them out of their quiet little shells, and they've really blossomed."