THE CHANCE to dance on a theatre stage in front of an audience is being given to 330 Isle of Wight pupils next week.

Isle Dance is back — bigger than before — involving 11 primary schools.

Isle Dance is a dance competition for primary school pupils, jointly organised by Gurnard Primary School and The Starlight Boutique to provide an opportunity for Island pupils to showcase their talents.

Following last year's success, the event has been extended over two days, and takes place at Medina Theatre on Monday, February 11, and Tuesday, February 12, at 7pm.

Each school's performance will be based on a theme of their choice, whether re-telling traditional stories, exploring serious issues or creating stories of their own.

The performances will be judged by an independent panel of professional dancers who will select an overall winner and give additional awards for choreography, performance skill, drama, concept, costume, hair and make-up and soundtrack.

On Monday it's the turn of Newport CE Primary, Carisbrooke CE Primary, Arreton St George's CE Primary, Barton Primary, St Mary's Catholic Primary and Nine Acres Primary.

On Tuesday it's the turn of St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary, Dover Park Primary, Greenmount Primary, Broadlea Primary, Oakfield CE Primary and Gurnard Primary.

Organiser Vanessa Hicks, headteacher of Gurnard Primary, said: "This has been a phenomenal experience for all of the children taking part and a unique opportunity to celebrate their talent and future potential.

"The children, teachers and parents have worked incredibly hard together to prepare and rehearse their performances.

"It has been fantastic to see the children growing in confidence as their performance skills develop. It certainly promises to be a night of both entertainment and inspiration."