TEAMS from nine Dorset schools will take to the stage at Bournemouth’s Pavilion for the Be Your Best Rock Challenge on March 2.

Now in its 20th year, the performing arts competition involves 320 schools from across the UK and aims to inspire young people to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices.

Each show provides the opportunity for participants to experience an adrenalin-based high through performing live on a professional stage.

The wellbeing of children, particularly their emotional wellbeing, remains a prom-inent Government and Ofsted priority.

Be Your Best Foundation chief executive officer David Beal said he was looking forward to producing another year of events as he knew how powerful the initiative could be in delivering vital life skills.

He said: “The young people involved will benefit in a wide variety of ways from improving self-esteem and confidence, increasing school attendance and even reducing anti-social behaviour in participating schools – all achieved through having fun in a supportive, yet professional environment.”

Teams perform for eight minutes each after months of preparation to showcase their skills in dance, drama and design.

Set to a theme of their choice, each school’s performance is completely original and can vary from tackling a political or social message, retelling a true event or an entirely imagina-tive concept.

Event manager Samantha Eastwood commented: “The team spirit and energetic environment of the Rock Challenge day creates a lasting memory for every student involved, which is why we see schools coming back year after year to share in the fantastic experience that this live event offers.”