NSW Public Schools Sydney Dance Ensembles
The NSW Public Schools Sydney Dance Ensembles support talented students in Years 4 to 12 to develop their skills and experience in dance. Ensembles meet weekly for after-school rehearsals at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Sydney Olympic Park. Participation is by audition and open to students enrolled in NSW public schools. The program provides students with a pathway to explore and extend their interest in dance within a supportive environment, training in works aligned to syllabus outcomes and gaining practical performance experience throughout the year.
On this page
Enquiries
Applications open
Applications for the 2026 Sydney Dance Ensembles are now open.
Applications close on Friday 13 February 2026.
Auditions
Auditions for the Sydney Dance Ensembles will be held at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Sydney Olympic Park on Monday 23 February 2026. After applications close on Friday 13 February 2026, students will be notified of their allocated audition group via email.
Monday 23 February 2026
9 am–3 pm
- Group A | Primary ensemble applicants
- Workshop structure TBC
- Group A | Sendondary Junior and Senior ensemble applicants
- Warm-up and techniques
- Improvisation and tasking
- Choreography and application of tasking work, concluding with a performance
Auditions will be conducted as a full-day workshop and there is no requirement to prepare choreography. Schools will be advised of participating students so that attendance can be recorded as School Business, in accordance with NSW Department of Education procedures.
Audition requirements
- Please bring lunch, snacks and a water bottle; students cannot access food facilities on the day.
- If relevant, hair tied back and away from face.
- Where possible, students should be dressed in form-fitting dance clothes – crop tops are not appropriate for this workshop
- Where possible, students should either dance in bare feet or wear proper dance shoes or sneakers. Enclosed shoes should be work to and from the venue.
- Valuables should be left at home
- All loose items should be labelled
- Families are unable to observe the audition workshop.
Rehearsals
Students who are accepted will attend weekly rehearsals at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Sydney Olympic Park from 5–7 pm. Rehearsals will begin in the week of Monday 9 March 2026 and continue until the end of Term 3, except for school holidays and public holidays.
There are three ensembles in the Sydney Dance Ensembles program:
- Primary Dance Ensemble – Years 4–6 | Mondays 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Junior Dance Ensemble – Years 7–9 | Wednesdays 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Senior Dance Ensemble – Years 10–12 | Tuesdays 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Successful applicants must make a full commitment to the program.
Fees
$350 per year
The fee covers the cost of regular tutors and industry professionals for workshops, as well as costumes for ensemble performances. Students will need to pay for any travel or accommodation if needed. All prices include GST.
Performance opportunities
Sydney Dance Ensembles will participate in regional dance festivals across metropolitan Sydney. They will also audition for the State Dance Festival.
Gallery
Select image to expand.
The 2026 NSW Public Schools Sydney Dance Ensembles program is proudly supported by our Venue Partner, the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) and Media Partner, Dancetrain.
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the NSW Public Schools Sydney Dance Ensembles, please email [email protected] so that we can assist.
