Local School Dazzles Judges at Hackney Empire

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Burlington Danes Academy Takes Second Place in Rock Challenge 2007

Pulsating music, expressive dancing and adrenaline-laden performances filled the Hackney Empire last week as Burlington Danes Academy took part in the first ever staging of Rock Challenge events in London.

The ‘Power FM Rock Challenge’ presented by the Be Your Best Foundation is an event which aims to encourage young people to lead healthy lifestyles, have fun and be their best without the need for tobacco, alcohol or any other substance.

It captures the imagination of young people by providing them with an exciting and unique opportunity to experience the buzz of performing in a professional environment in front of their peers, friends and family allowing them to enjoy a ‘drug free high’.

The entrants from Burlington Danes Academy won second place in the Business for Culture Award for Best Video Performance, the Metropolitan Police Award for Best Set Design and Staging, the London Youth Dance Award for Hair and Makeup.

Students tackled topical and emotive themes with great skill in dance, drama and costume not to mention some stunning sets and well chosen lighting. Producer of the UK Rock Challenge Zoie Golding said “It’s clear to see that all the schools involved had put in a huge amount of time and effort and the results were stunning. It was great to see so many young people experiencing the buzz of performing in a professional theatre and achieving an amazing drug free high. We look forward to returning to London next year and welcoming even more schools into the event”.

The Rock Challenge now in its eleventh year produces 31 heats throughout the UK which culminate in Northern and Southern Regional Finals at the beginning of June 2007.

This year the global message is Be Your Best Be Yourself’ as the Rock Challenge reaches out across the world to reach young people in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Dubai, South Africa, Europe, and the UK. The focus is on bringing young people together to have fun and be the best they can be without the need for tobacco, alcohol and other substances.

May 1, 2007