MORE than 350 pupils from a secondary school took time out from their studies to perform in a two-night dance extravaganza.

The students, from Dorothy Stringer School, worked hard for months to prepare for their annual Dance Show which took place at the Brighton Dome on Friday and Saturday.

The 25 different dance performances incorporated work they have been doing in lessons, dance clubs and GCSE dance projects.

Chloe Sampson, head of dance at Dorothy Stringer, said: “We are extremely lucky to hold our Dance Show in such an amazing Brighton venue.

“We strive to make the evening as professional as possible, not only through the dances, but also lighting and costume.”

The students performed various styles of dance to an eclectic mixture of sound tracks, leaving their family, teachers and other guests dazzled by the show.

The students were also involved in developing much of the choreography on display during the show, with the help of staff.

Richard Bradford, headteacher at the school, said: “It is an extraordinary event, I have to say.

“With more than 350 students on stage every night, The Dome was full.

“For them to have the chance to perform on stage in this way is really unique.

“I am really proud of the staff and the students’ commitment to get ready in that amount of time.

“The students will never forget it.

“They will remember this for the rest of their lives.

“It will stick with them because of the commitment they made to it.

“The show is always full of imagination and is powerful, beautiful and joyous.

“We do a lot of extra-curricular activities here.

“The people who take part do very well.

“It also makes them happy at school.”

The school, which is named after the 19th-century mayoress of Brighton, also co-ordinated another successful dance event held at the Dome last week.

The Let’s Dance show celebrated the work of 78 schools, groups, universities and colleges from Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.