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Join the Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensembles – Take your dancing to the next level!
Join the Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensembles – Take your dancing to the next level!
Are you a passionate and skilled dancer in Years 7 to 12 looking for an opportunity to push your technique, creativity, and performance skills to the next level?
Established in 2024, the ensemble continues to provide a high-quality performance opportunity for talented NSW public school dancers in Years 7 to 12 across the Southern Tablelands and beyond.
The Ensemble is designed for dedicated performers from NSW public schools who want to refine their technique, expand their artistic expression, and collaborate with like-minded dancers.
This is more than just a dance group - it’s an elite performance experience where students will be immersed in high-level choreography, professional rehearsal settings, and the creative process behind building a standout dance work.
Why Join the Ensemble?
Why Join the Ensemble?
⭐ Advanced Training & Technique Development: Learn from specialist choreographers and educators who will push your technical and expressive abilities beyond what is typically offered in a school setting. You’ll refine your skills in musicality, dynamics, spatial awareness, and performance artistry.
⭐ Collaboration with like-minded dancers: Meet and work with other talented young dancers from diverse schools and backgrounds. This ensemble fosters teamwork, trust, and shared creativity - key qualities of any successful performer.
⭐ Performances: Experience the excitement of performing in a high-calibre production at the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival - with the opportunity to audition for the State Dance Festival, one of the most prestigious dance showcases in NSW.
⭐ Increased confidence and stage presence: Learn how to captivate an audience through your performance. Gain confidence in expressing yourself through movement, mastering stagecraft, and working as part of an ensemble to create a powerful and engaging performance.
⭐ Preparation for future opportunities: This ensemble is the perfect stepping stone for students considering future dance studies or professional performance opportunities. The skills and experiences gained will set dancers apart as they continue their artistic journey.
If you are ready to challenge yourself, grow as a dancer, and be part of something extraordinary, apply now to audition for the Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensemble!
Enquiries
Enquiries
Please contact Sue Dawson - Arts Coordination Officer should you have any further questions or concerns:
E: susan.i.dawson@det.nsw.edu.au
P: 0402 992 897
THREE GREAT ENSEMBLES TO CHOOSE FROM!
THREE GREAT ENSEMBLES TO CHOOSE FROM!
Southern Tablelands (Goulburn) Secondary Dance Ensemble
Southern Tablelands (Goulburn) Secondary Dance Ensemble
📅 Audition date: Tuesday 24 February 2026 (Term 1 Week 5)
🕘 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
📍 Queanbeyan East Public School - 10 Yass Road Queanbeyan
⭐This ensemble will perform at the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival - Goulburn Showcase - Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 June (Term 2 Week 9)
✨ Choreographer: Corey Podbereski
Ensemble members may also perform with their school in a school item at the festival if applicable.
Southern Tablelands (Picton) Secondary Dance Ensemble
Southern Tablelands (Picton) Secondary Dance Ensemble
📅 Audition date: Thursday 26 February 2026 (Term 1 Week 5)
🕘 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
📍 Picton High School - 480 Argyle Street Picton
⭐This ensemble will perform at the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival - Picton Showcase - Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 June (Term 2 Week 8)
✨ Choreographer: Christine Gillett
Ensemble members may also perform with their school in a school item at the festival if applicable.
Southern Tablelands Musical Theatre Ensemble
Southern Tablelands Musical Theatre Ensemble
📅 Auditions for this ensemble will be held as part of the ST Secondary Dance auditions
⭐This ensemble will perform at the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival - Picton Showcase - Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 June (Term 2 Week 8)
✨ Choreographer: Virginia Ferris
Ensemble members may also be selected for the ST Picton or Goulburn Secondary Ensembles.
Ensemble members may also perform with their school in a school item at the festival if applicable.
Important information and how to get involved
Important information and how to get involved
How to apply
How to apply
IInterested students must have a parent or carer complete the Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensemble application form by Thursday 19 February 2026 (Term 1 Week 4).
After applications close, school principals will be contacted to endorse the participation of nominated students.
📅 All applicants are invited to attend the relevant audition.
Following the auditions, the choreographers will nominate students for selection into the 2026 Ensembles.
Only selected ensemble members will be required to attend all subsequent rehearsals and performances.
Students will be notified of audition results by Monday 2 March (Term 1 Week 6).
Workshop rehearsal dates
Workshop rehearsal dates
Ensemble rehearsal dates are yet to be confirmed and will include a two-day rehearsal and a final rehearsal in the lead-up to the festival.
The host venue for ensemble rehearsals will also be confirmed once the 2026 Ensemble is finalised.
Venue locations will be determined with consideration of student demographics to best support access and participation.
What to wear to auditions and rehearsals
What to wear to auditions and rehearsals
Students should wear either dancewear (leotard and shorts) or their school sports uniform to all rehearsals. Bare midriffs and tops with large logos are not permitted. Dancers may wear jazz shoes or dance barefoot as preferred.
Cost
Cost
A $100 participation fee is required for each student selected into the Ensembles. This fee will cover tuition, ensemble t-shirt and costume.
Students who attend an audition rehearsal only will not be required to make a payment.
State Dance Festival
State Dance Festival
The Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensemble will submit a nomination to perform at the State Dance Festival, held at the Seymour Centre in Term 3 Week 9 (14 to 18 September 2026). If selected, the ensemble will perform on one night of the festival, representing the incredible talent and dedication of dancers from across Regional and Rural South and West.
The State Dance Festival brings together the best student ensembles from across the state to perform in a professionally produced showcase. This is an extraordinary opportunity for our young regional dancers to:
Perform on a professional stage in front of a state-wide audience
Represent and celebrate regional and rural excellence in dance
Connect with top student performers from across NSW
Be part of a high-calibre festival known for its artistic and technical excellence
Being selected for the State Dance Festival is a remarkable achievement, providing dancers with invaluable experience, confidence, and exposure. The Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensemble will be proud to stand alongside some of the best young performers in the state, showcasing the power of regional and rural talent.
If selected, an additional rehearsal will be scheduled in the lead-up to the festival.
Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Photography by Hatch Media.
Southern Tablelands Secondary Dance Ensemble
artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-program/southern-tablelands-secondary-dance-ensemble
Southern Tablelands Dance Festival
artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-programs/southern-tablelands-dance-festival
The Arts Unit
artsunit.nsw.edu.au
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