More than 60 dancers took to the stage to give it their all in a Global Rock Challenge.

Students from the Sir John Colfox Academy performed ‘The Roll of the Dice’ to an audience of more than 100 people at Bournemouth Pavillion following months of rehearsals after school.

The piece was based on the theme of gambling addiction and intended to underline the glitz and glam of Las Vegas casinos. The piece saw a range of different dance styles, such as tap and contemporary, being used to tell the story of Ryan, a young man who is enamoured by the bright lights of the casinos and gambles well until he begins a profound losing streak. He continues all the way to his last £5 note, which he loses, and this sees him spiral into homelessness. The story included showgirls and casino-goers, the dark shadows of his addiction and a love interest that was doomed from the start. A spokesman said: “It really was a rollercoaster of emotions.”

It was a successful night for Colfox students, as the group scooped awards of excellence for ‘Project Pictogram Award of Excellence for Drama,’ ‘ACRO Criminal Records Office Award of Excellence for Soundtrack’ and ‘Visions Unlimited Award for Excellence for Video Performance.’ The judges described the emotion the piece captured as ‘spellbinding.’

A group of Year 11 students worked tirelessly to choreograph, design and direct the piece from start to finish. The Rock Challenge leaders were Abby Prowse, Poppy Legg-Bagg, Caitlin Pask, Ellie Wellman and Sophie Wilson, who worked hard for more than six months to audition dancers, paint the set, organise costumes and cope with problems as they arose. The girls showed ‘true grit and determination’ to ensure that a strong performance was given.

Headteacher David Herbert said: “Our Rock Challenge entry is one of the best examples of student leadership in the school. Apart from the fact that the quality of dance was amazing, it is also testament to our leaders just how well they gelled the group and got so many performers behind the idea. I loved the performance and was incredibly proud of them.”