After the incredible success of the 2025 Southern Tablelands Dance Festival—with every show performed to sold-out crowds - we extend our congratulations to all the schools, students, and teachers who brought their talent, creativity, and dedication to the stage. The energy, artistry, and joy of dance lit up both the Goulburn and Wollondilly Performing Arts Centres, making 2025 a truly unforgettable year.

Now we turn our eyes to 2026!

The Southern Tablelands Dance Festival returns - bigger, brighter, and bursting with energy. This annual celebration brings together public school students and teachers from across the Southern Tablelands and beyond, shining a spotlight on the creativity, dedication, and passion of performers from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Audiences will be treated to an inspiring showcase of movement and storytelling as students explore the art of dance in all its forms. For performers, it’s a chance to step onto the stage, share their hard work, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For schools and the community, it’s a reminder of the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and transform.

Two iconic venues

With both the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre now firmly part of the festival, schools can choose the venue that best suits their community. Each location offers a professional stage experience, ensuring every performer shines

The festival aims to:

✅ Support Dance education in schools – Encourage the development and teaching of dance programs by providing a performance goal that aligns with the NSW Creative Arts curriculum while fostering creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills.

✅ Foster community and wellbeing – Provide an opportunity for students to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience while developing a sense of belonging within their school and the broader community.

✅ Showcase dance as an art form – Highlight the value of dance as both a creative and physical discipline, reinforcing its role in a well-rounded education and encouraging participation in the performing arts.

✅ Deliver a high-quality performance experience – Support students and teachers in preparing for a professional performance, equipping them with industry-relevant skills in choreography, stagecraft, and collaboration.

✅ Celebrate achievement and growth – Create an engaging and inspiring event that recognizes the dedication of students and teachers while leaving lasting memories for all involved.

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our students and teachers through the transformative power of dance. 

Let’s make the 2026 Southern Tablelands Dance Festival an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

We can't wait to see your students strutting their stuff on the stage! 

Notificiations

Following the closing of nominations, schools will be notified of their performance day and technical rehearsal timeslot by Thursday 2 April 2026 (Term 1 Week 10).

The performance schedule for the shows will be made available to schools by Monday 20 April (Term 2 Week 1)

Performance day schedule

Technical rehearsals will take place during the day of your allocated performance.

• Technical rehearsal timeslot 1: 9:00 am to  10:30 am

• Technical rehearsal timeslot 2: 10:30 am to  12:00 noon

• Technical rehearsal timeslot 3: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

• Technical rehearsal timeslot 4: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

• Evening show A: 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

• Evening show B: 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm

Schools are encouraged to watch some or all of the other technical rehearsals on the day.

Staffing

Students will, at all times, be under the duty of care of their teacher/s throughout the festival.   

A maximum of 2 parent volunteers (if required) per school will be allowed backstage and must be named on the submitted student and staff roll.  Parent volunteers cannot be swapped throughout the day.

Principals will be required to sign off on all staff, aides, and parent volunteers attending the festival to ensure they meet Department guidelines for WWCC and mandatory training.