Dance contests or 'Festivals' are held across the
Country to enable young dancers to compete against eachother in varying styles of dance.
For those who are serious about their progress and 
show a talent for entertaining, this is an excellent way to work towards a professional standard and prepares dancers for auditioning in later life.

Novices begin in classes where competitors have not yet won medals in any contest. Experience will be gained until dancers are ready to enter
Open Classes  where ability is strong and expertise is quickly gained.


Dancers can be entered in a solo, duet, trio, quartet or group. They  Chosen for their potential, they must make a firm commitment of festival
Attendance.  Parents must make sure that the child practices thoroughly and regularly at home, regardless of competition dates, so that dances are not forgotten. Each dance is kept approximately two years so as to be polished and developed. Sometimes dances are passed down from an older candidate. Contests are usually within an hour's drive of home.

Private lessons are required, either alone or shared  by the hour/part hour with another pupil.  A suitable costume will also be required and arranged in agreement with the teacher.
Generally four lessons are needed to complete a dance, but the more rehearsal carried out at home, the less studio time will be needed.


Children are monitored on their festival work. The teacher will decide if it is no longer to their advantage to continue.  Most children have great fun at these events, making new friends who dance in other areas. 
Festival team members learn to take guidence for the adjudicators' comments and how to deal with the highs and lows of success and disappointment.  They also learn about the culture of dance and music, choreography, costuming, energy levels.  Spacial awareness and the dicipline needed to enjoy life on the stage.