Dance ensembles (workshop-based)

Region: Metro, Metropolitan South | Sydney
Years 4 to 12

The NSW public schools dance ensembles (workshop-based) program aims to foster the development of talented students from Years 4 to 12 in dance from public schools across NSW. Students train and rehearse dance works during 4 intensive workshops in Sydney over the year.

This ensemble provides opportunities for students who cannot attend weekly rehearsals in Sydney to train, rehearse and perform with other students from across NSW in an intensive workshop model held throughout the school year.

The workshop-based dance ensembles develop high-level skills in dance technique, composition and performance. Training is aligned to syllabus outcomes and ensemble students perform at the State Dance Festival each year.

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dancer in action

2025 applications are now open.

Applications for NSW public schools dance ensembles (workshop-based) close on Friday 4 April 2025. 

Ensembles

  • Primary – Years 7 to 12 – two workshop-based ensembles
  • Senior – Years 4 to 6 – one workshop-based ensemble

2025 schedule

Students train and rehearse dance works in Sydney in preparation for performing at the State Dance Festival in September and Schools Spectacular in November.

  • Workshop 1 – Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May 2025; intensive styles-based workshop weekend with multiple tutors at Tanya Pearson Academy, St Leonards. 
  • Workshop 2 – Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August 2025; an intensive choreographic week where students will create their work for the State Dance Festival at Tanya Pearson Academy, St Leonards. 
  • Workshop 3 – Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 September; technical rehearsals for the State Dance Festival at DUTI Studios, Newtown. 
  • Workshop 4  – Rehearsals for the Schools Spectacular October/November (various dates TBC); Sydney Olympic Park

Performance opportunities

  • State Dance Festival at Seymour Centre – 18 and 19 September 2025
  • Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena – 28 and 29 November 2025
  • Additional opportunities throughout the year as they arise

Contact details

Should you have any queries, please contact us at dance.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au

Enquiries

The dance team
The Arts Unit
Phone
0434 567 414

All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Dance ensembles (workshop-based), please email dance.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.