NSW Department of Education

large group of primary dancers on stage in a circle with arms up in air. All wearing white tshirts and black pants.

Southern Tablelands Dance Festival

Region: Regional South Rural South and West | Goulburn and Picton

Kindergarten to Year 12

Program Dance

After the incredible success of the 2025 Southern Tablelands Dance Festival—with every show performed to sold-out crowds—we extend our congratulations to all the schools, students, and teachers who brought their talent, creativity, and dedication to the stage. The energy, artistry, and joy of dance lit up both the Goulburn and Wollondilly Performing Arts Centres, making 2025 a truly unforgettable year.

Now we turn our eyes to 2026!

The Southern Tablelands Dance Festival returns—bigger, brighter, and bursting with energy. This annual celebration brings together public school students and teachers from across the Southern Tablelands and beyond, shining a spotlight on the creativity, dedication, and passion of performers from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Audiences will be treated to an inspiring showcase of movement and storytelling as students explore the art of dance in all its forms. For performers, it’s a chance to step onto the stage, share their hard work, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For schools and the community, it’s a reminder of the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and transform.

Two iconic venues!

In 2026, the festival continues its mission to:

Support the growth and teaching of dance programs in schools.
Recognise dance as a vital and inspiring art form within schools and the wider community.
Provide opportunities for students and teachers to deliver high-quality performances in professional venues.
Celebrate creativity with an original and entertaining event that leaves a lasting impact.

Two iconic venues
With both the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre now firmly part of the festival, schools can choose the venue that best suits their community. Each location offers a professional stage experience, ensuring every performer shines.

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2026 festival dates

STDF Picton Showcase – Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 June (Term 2, Week 8)
STDF Goulburn Showcase – Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 June (Term 2, Week 9)

There will be 2 shows each evening:

Evening show A – 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
Evening show B – 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm

Whether you’re performing, teaching, or cheering from the audience, the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Full festival details will be available to schools in early Term 1 2026.

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Item information

Each school may nominate a maximum of 3 items for the festival. We will make every effort to include all nominated items.
Schools are welcome to explore any style of dance they prefer.
We encourage the inclusion of students with a disability and are committed to working with schools to accommodate any required modifications or special provisions.
Indigenous dance groups, multicultural dance groups, and boys' dance groups are actively encouraged to participate.
Schools requiring assistance with choreography should contact Sue Dawson (0402 992 897) to have a mentor choreographer assigned to the school to assist with preparations.