NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival
The State Dance Festival is held at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and showcases choreographed dance work from public schools across NSW.
Each performance reveals the determination of students and teachers to explore the art of dance and to achieve performances of the highest quality. These performances are underpinned by technical training, stamina, creativity, confidence, cooperation and respect for one another fostered by their dedicated and talented teachers.
2023 dates
Monday 11 to Friday 15 September 2023 (Term 3 Week 9)
Performance times
Daily performances 7:00 pm (11–15 September)
Schools matinee 12:00 pm (Friday 15 September only)
Venue
Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Tickets
General admission tickets are available from Thursday 17 August; please contact the Seymour Centre Box Office directly at 9061 5344 or refer to their booking information page.
Applications
- Audition panel nomination
Applications closed for 2023 - School item nomination
Applications closed for 2023 - Student compere nomination
Applications closed for 2023 - Production team nomination
Applications closed for 2023 - Teachers' Choreographic Workshop
Applications closed for 2023
Nomination guidelines for school items
Considerations to create a successful item
- Schools present choreography that caters to the age/stage of development of all students in the ensemble and reflects the dance composition syllabus material for the particular stage taught.
- The choreography employs safe dance practice in the movement selected.
- The work should demonstrate a creative response to dance as an art form.
- Exhibit strong creative development of an idea with a clear intent expressed consistently throughout the item. Demonstration of an understanding of the choreographic principles, processes and structures.
- The students demonstrate strong performance quality and commitment to the work.
- The costumes visually support the intent and assist to clearly articulate the item while being appropriate for the age of the performer and meeting DoE requirements.
- If used, props must be integral to enhancing the visual story of the item.
Item requirements
- Ensembles should comprise between 6 and 30 students.
- Items must be suitable for performance on a stage of 10m by 12m.
- Item choreographers, preferably, should be teachers or students on staff at the school submitting the item.
- Primary items must not exceed 5 minutes in length; secondary items must not exceed 7 minutes in length.
- Ensembles should perform at the area/regional dance festival (if available).
- Music and lyrics must be relevant to the age and skill of the performers and be suitable for public performance in an education setting.
- Copyright information regarding the source of music (CD/iTunes) must be provided for our records.
- Schools should nominate their strongest item/s for representation at state level.
How to prepare your group
- Schools nominating for the State Dance Festival should participate in their regional/local area Dance Festival. This experience provides vital performance skills and develops stagecraft in preparation for performing at a State level.
- Nominating teachers are responsible for supplying video links of performance footage for nominated items to be considered by the state selection panel.
Selection process for nominated items
The panel will assess items based on choreography, technical skill and performance quality, the overall cohesiveness of the piece about style, regional representation, age group of performers and the relevance of the piece according to dance curriculum outcomes. The panel carefully considers all applications. Due to the large number of applications, the panel's selection is final.
Variation to applications
Some schools may find that the State Dance Festival application requirements do not suit their circumstances. Any variation to these requirements should be forwarded in writing before the closing date for applications with the support of the Principal.
Schools unable to be involved in their DoE area dance festival may complete the nomination form and email a link to their item directly to the dance team.
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