THOUSANDS of screaming pupils cheered on their favourite contestants at this year’s Rock Challenge heat in Aberdeen.
More than 1,000 dancers took to the stage at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in a bid to wow the judges and be crowned Rock Challenge champions.
Rock Challenge is a worldwide competition which challenges youngsters to create an eight-minute dance to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
Youngsters from 13 schools took to the stage for the region’s heat in the hope of winning a place at the Rock Challenge Northern Premier Grand Final in Grimsby in May.
The pupils not only choreographed their work but also created their own costumes and sets.
And with Peterhead Academy already qualifying for the Rock Challenge finals, the competition was intense.
Teams from Banff, Bucksburn, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Kemnay, Mackie, Mintlaw, Northfield, Peterhead, St Machar, Torry, Turriff and Westhill academies all took part.
More than four hours after the first act went on stage at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Westhill Academy was announced as the winning team.
Shona Thompson, 17, said: “It’s the first time Westhill has entered Rock Challenge in four years and we were surprised to win.”
Development officer Stuart McGregor said 1,996 people were at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre to witness the annual dance competition, setting a new record for Scottish heats.
He added: “This is probably going to be the biggest Rock Challenge heat globally.”
Westhill Academy will be joined by pupils from Peterhead Academy as they battle it out to be crowned UK champion at the Grimsby Auditorium on May 29.
amajury@ajl.co.uk