NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival

2023 dates

Dates: Monday 11 to Friday 15 September 2023 (Term 3 Week 9)
Venue: Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Chippendale

Applications

Applications will open in 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 that has 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 in relation to 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 send a link of their item directly to Joanne King, Dance Performance Officer at The Arts Unit dance.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au

Enquiries