New dance competitions in Australia: December 2025 update
If you’re ready to start planning for 2026, you’re in luck — Stage Lark has just made it easier than ever to navigate the dance comp calendar. Our calendar now features over 200 competitions, auditions, and workshops, covering everything from local eisteddfods to major national tours. We follow more than 100 event organisers nationwide, and […]
5 of the strangest facts about ballet
Ballet may be known today for its elegance, beauty, and athletic precision, but its history is filled with quirks, contradictions, and surprising twists. From dancers in heeled shoes to pointe work that began with a literal flying machine, here are five of the strangest facts about ballet. 1. Ballet was originally performed only by men […]
How we’re keeping track of Australia’s dance comp scene
If you’ve ever tried to keep track of Australia’s dance comp scene, you know how difficult it can be to stay on top of what’s coming up and when. It feels like every event organiser has their own page, group, or post somewhere, and it’s easy for important dates to slip through the cracks. Social […]
How to stand out at dance auditions: What international directors are looking for
If you’re a dancer with professional ambitions, you know how intense and competitive the audition circuit can be. But what if you had the rare chance to be seen by multiple international directors — all in one place, without leaving Australia? We caught up with Giuseppe Canale, Founder and Artistic Director of GCDANCEVENTS, to get […]
Preparing for your child’s first visit to the ballet
There’s a unique magic in taking your child to their first ballet, whether it’s during the holiday season or any other time of year. The excitement builds as the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the music fills the theater, all set against the backdrop of stunning costumes and graceful dancers. Ballet offers a wonderful […]
Behind the spotlight: A parent’s guide to dance competitions in Australia
Australia has a long and vibrant history of children’s dance competitions – from grassroots regional eisteddfods to elite national championships. For many families, these events are a major part of the dance journey, offering valuable stage time, skill development, and a strong sense of community. But what does it all really involve? How many competitions […]
In their shoes: The resilience of Ukraine’s dance community
How Ukraine’s red character shoe has become a symbol of resistance The war in Ukraine has shattered lives and economies, yet amid the destruction, the country’s cultural traditions endure with remarkable strength. Ukraine’s dance community has faced immense challenges, as performers and artisans fight to preserve their craft. At the centre of this struggle is […]
Dance eisteddfods: 5 things every new dance parent should know
Dance eisteddfods are a whirlwind for parents and their kids – a melée of excitement, nerves, glitter, and growth. Whether your child danced in one comp or ten, if you’ve just attended your first eisteddfod season, you’ve likely walked away with a few lessons (and maybe a few rhinestones stuck to your car seat). Here […]
A parent’s guide to ballet
Introducing your child to ballet is like opening the door to a world of elegance, discipline, and self-expression. Whether they’re twirling in the lounge room or tiptoeing through the kitchen, ballet offers more than just beautiful movement – it builds confidence, focus, and lifelong skills. Why ballet? Ballet is the foundation of many dance styles. […]
Understanding ballet teaching methods
If you’re considering enrolling your child in ballet classes, you may quickly discover that not all studios teach ballet the same way. Some mention the Vaganova method, others refer to RAD, Cecchetti, or even Balanchine – and it can be confusing to know what these terms actually mean, or why they matter. These different teaching […]