Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles
Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles are an opportunity for talented Years 3 to 12 students at NSW public schools to learn and rehearse dance works in preparation for performing at the Synergy Dance Festival.
Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles develop, foster and nurture the talent of dance students through a choreographic intensive workshop and a subsequent rehearsals.
Students in the ensembles are also given opportunities to audition for the the Blue Mountains/Nepean Dance Festival and State Dance Festival.
In 2025 there was one ensemble:
- Greater Western Sydney primary dance ensemble (Years 3 to 6)
In 2026 there will be 2 ensembles:
- Greater Western Sydney primary dance ensemble (Years 3 to 6)
- Greater Western Sydney secondary dance ensemble (Years 7 to 12)
Auditions
Applications to audition for 2026 ensembles are now open.
Audition will be run in a workshop format. Students will be taught choreography and are not required to undertake any specific preparation in advance. Families may not remain onsite during the auditions.
Please note, application must be completed using student email address ending in @education.nsw.gov.au. Please contact your school if you are unsure of email username.
Audition date
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (Term 1 Week 9)
Schedule
9 am – 11:30 am | Primary ensemble (Years 3 to 6)
12:30 pm – 3 pm | Secondary ensemble (Years 7 to 12)
Venue
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Primary ensemble workshops
Choreographer
Applications for the choreographer for the Greater Western Sydney primary dance ensemble are currently open. The selected choreographer will be announced in Term 1 2026.
Dates
4-day choreographic intensive: Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May (Term 2 Week 2)
2-day rehearsal for Synergy Dance Festival: Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June (Term 2 Week 7)
1-day rehearsal for Blue Mountains/Nepean Dance Festival: Monday 10 August (Term 3 Week 4)
Time: 9 am– 3 pm
Venue
Performing Arts Centre, Glenmore Park High School
Cost
$220 per student
Payment for Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles will be made to the student's school on receipt of student acceptance to the ensemble. Schools will be automatically debited for student participation in the program via SAP journal entry from The Arts Unit leading up to the program.
Uniform
An optional uniform will be avalible for students to purchase form TLC Spirit Wear. Order information will be provided to successful candidates.
Secondary ensemble workshops
Choreographer
Applications for the choreographer for the Greater Western Sydney secondary dance ensemble are currently open. The selected choreographer will be announced in Term 1 2026.
Dates
2-day choreographic intensive: Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May (Term 2 Week 3)
2-day rehearsal for Synergy Dance Festival: Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June (Term 2 Week 7)
1-day rehearsal for Blue Mountains/Nepean Dance Festival: Monday 24 August (Term 3 Week 6)
Time: 9 am– 3 pm
Venue
Greater Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre, Plumpton High School
Cost
$220 per student
Payment for Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles will be made to the student's school on receipt of student acceptance to the ensemble. Schools will be automatically debited for student participation in the program via SAP journal entry from The Arts Unit leading up to the program.
Uniform
An optional uniform will be avalible for students to purchase form TLC Spirit Wear. Order information will be provided to successful candidates.
Performances
Synergy Dance Festival
Date: Monday 15 June 2026 (Term 2 Week 9)
- Technical rehearsals from 3 pm
- Performances at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Venue: EVAN Theatre, Penrith
Blue Mountains/Nepean Dance Festival
Date: Term 3 Week 5 and 7 2026 (TBC)
- Week 5 | Daytime technical rehearsals
- Week 7 | Performance at 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm
Venue: Q Theatre, Penrith
2026 choreographer expression of interest
If you would like to be involved as a choreographer for the Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles, please complete dance tutor application form and notify the program coordinator of your application. In your form, please select the following options:
- Dance ensembles: Workshop based ensembles
- Which areas are you available to work in? Greater Western Sydney
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Greater Western Sydney dance ensembles, please email [email protected] so that we can assist.
