NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival 2025

words and images Danielle Brown

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From 15–19 September 2025, the Seymour Centre pulsed with energy, artistry, and the unmistakable joy of movement as the NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival took centre stage. Presented by The Arts Unit under NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority), the annual event united hundreds of students and teachers from across the state in a week-long celebration of creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence.

I attended one of the rehearsals on Tuesday 16 September, capturing through my lens the passion and professionalism of students and educators alike. The choreography and performance quality spoke volumes about the strength of dance education in NSW public schools, programs built not only on technique, but on inclusivity, imagination, and the power of collective artistry.

The State Dance Festival is one of The Arts Unit’s flagship events, drawing together regional and metropolitan schools to perform in a professional theatre environment. Students selected through regional festivals or ensembles work under the guidance of their teachers and guest choreographers to refine their works for the Seymour Centre stage. The result is a showcase that highlights the extraordinary breadth of dance training within NSW public education.

For Cara Olsson from Temora Public School, travelling from regional NSW to participate was both a challenge and an inspiration. She described the experience as “unforgettable for both myself and my students. Coming from a small town with limited dance opportunities, it was inspiring to see such creative choreography and exceptional student talent on stage. My students were captivated by the professionalism and scale of the event and felt immensely proud to represent their community on such a grand stage.”

That sense of pride and belonging is echoed across rural schools, where opportunities for large-scale performance are rare. Cindy Hugo from Muswellbrook Public School said the event was transformational for her students. “We are incredibly grateful to The Arts Unit for running the State Dance Festival and providing such an enriching opportunity for our small rural school to be involved in this elite event,” she explained. “Performing alongside some of the best dance ensembles and schools in the state inspires our students to grow as dancers and to experience the professionalism of working with expert staging and lighting crews. It raises the standard of their performance and creates lasting memories for them and their families.”

For choreographer Gemma Hogan, who led the Mid North Coast Junior Ensemble, the experience was one of artistic discovery. “Entering the State Dance Festival was uncharted waters for me,” she said. “When our group was accepted, the excitement was enormous. The students gained so much through contemporary workshops and by working with a different choreographer, developing new technical and creative skills. Technical rehearsals offered an invaluable insight into the professionalism expected at this level, and when they finally performed, they walked off stage exhilarated, proud and confident.”

That same spirit of growth and inspiration resonated with Kylie Bird from Orange Public School, who led her students to the festival for the first time. “Our students were honoured and proud to represent Orange Public School,” she shared. “Two of our students were selected to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country, which was an incredible opportunity to share insights about Orange and the Wiradjuri culture of some of our students. Watching them perform alongside other talented dancers, particularly those from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, was so inspiring that several now dream of attending there one day.” Bird reflected on the educational value of the experience: “It was truly enriching for both staff and students to be part of such a high-calibre celebration of dance.”

For Rebekah El-Shaikh of Westfields Sports High School, the Festival represents the culmination of months of dedication. “After months of rehearsals, State Dance Festival is the time where our choreographic works are brought to life,” she said. “It’s always a joy to work with the production team at the Seymour Centre and see our ideas evolve under professional lighting and staging. For students, the festival provides invaluable experience, they learn theatre etiquette, go through feedback and rehearsal processes, and develop into mature, reflective performers. But beyond all that, it’s a bonding experience that builds trust, deepens friendships, and reminds us why we love teaching dance.”

Operating under NESA, The Arts Unit supports dance education across NSW by fostering equity of access and excellence in performance. Through initiatives like the State Dance Festival, it ensures that every student, regardless of geography or circumstance, has the chance to learn, create, and perform at the highest level. The focus for 2025 centres on collaboration and inclusivity, celebrating diverse voices, innovative choreography, and the relationships between schools, teachers, and students. It’s a program that recognises the arts not only as a curriculum area, but as a vital means of communication, connection, and confidence-building.

Through my camera lens on 16 September, I witnessed the true essence of dance, not just movement, but meaning. There was laughter during warm-ups, nervous excitement backstage, and a powerful stillness as the lights rose on the first piece. Every gesture, every breath, spoke of dedication and joy, a testament to the teachers and choreographers who nurture their students with creativity, care, and passion. The State Dance Festival continues to be one of the most important showcases in Australian dance education, a living, breathing example of how public school programs under The Arts Unit continue to cultivate artistry, collaboration, and the pure joy of movement.