Lanesend Primary School in Cowes has secured 3rd place at the UK’s largest performing arts competition for schools, Dance Live Junior Finals.
The finals took place on 23rd April, with the Isle of Wight school closing the show against 7 other finalists from across the country in front of a packed audience at Guildhall in Portsmouth.
The performance, called ‘The Shadows of Doubt’, was inspired by the Isle of Wight Council’s 2030 education goal, which focuses on ensuring children have high aspirations and receive support throughout their educational journey.
Judge Jazz Gritt praised the students for their choreography, spacing and creative costume designs, which transformed from one character to another during the routine.
Lanesend Primary School was the only Isle of Wight school to qualify for this year’s finals, marking the school’s second appearance at the national finals, following their success at the 2025 competition where they also returned home with an award.
Libby Routledge, Teacher and Dance Live Coordinator, has said:
“We are so tremendously proud of how well our students represented not only our school, but the entire Isle of Wight, at the finals this year.
“They have rehearsed tirelessly since placing second at the heats in January, and we are in awe of the commitment and determination they have shown throughout this process.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Staff at Lanesend are now looking ahead to celebrating the achievement with the Dance Live team and families at the school’s second annual awards evening later this year, while preparations are already underway for Dance Live 2027.
