Stage Challenge win for Rotorua Girls' High School (+ video)

Rotorua Girls' High School celebrate their win at Stage Challenge last night.

Nine schools took to the stage at the Rotorua Civic Theatre for an exciting night of entertainment at Stage Challenge.

Rotorua Girls' High School performance Inspired by Change took out first place last night in the open division with Taupo Nui-A-Tia coming in a close second.

Rotorua Girls' High School theme for 2015;

During times of savagery, innovation, suppression and protest; there have always been women who have shone their own light and appeared from the shadow cast by man. The wahine we represent are strong leaders who have inspired revolution and changed the hearts and minds of men and women, through some of the most haunting and unforgettable events in New Zealand's History.

"Rotorua Girls' High School produced an exceptional performance, with tight choreography. They delivered strong powerful message in an over-all moving performance," event manager, Sarah-Jane Phillips said.

Performance Judge Nikki Wilkinson said it was a "fantastic use of lifts and tricks in the choreography, the performance was polished and tidy - fabulous work."

Taupo-nui-a-Tia College students perform at Stage Challenge. 10 June 2015 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker

In second place was Taupo Nui-A-Tia College with their performance of 'Salute'.

Western Heights High School was in a close third place.

"Rotorua put on a fantastic show tonight and I was blown away by all the students' talent
and hard work! Tonight's performances reflect how Stage Challenge® and J Rock™ are great outlets for youth to creatively express themselves and their values," Miss Phillips said.