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 are out there? What are the costs? And is it worth the commitment?
In this article, we break down the competitive dance landscape in Australia to help parents understand what to expect and decide if it’s the right path for their child.
The dance comp landscape in Australia
Dance competitions, particularly eisteddfods, have a long and cherished history in Australia. Originating from Welsh cultural festivals, eisteddfods were first introduced here in the 19th century and quickly became a popular way for communities to celebrate performance, music, and dance. Today, they remain a backbone of the competitive dance scene, especially in regional areas, offering a welcoming stage for young performers of all levels. See our blog post on dance eisteddfods for a deeper dive into this world.
Over time, Australia’s dance comp scene has grown dramatically, expanding from grassroots events into a diverse and dynamic national circuit. At the top end of the spectrum are major events like the Sydney Eisteddfod, which began in 1933 and is now one of the largest performing arts competitions in the Southern Hemisphere. Then there are international competitions that travel to Australia, such as the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), which offer elite ballet dancers the chance to be seen on a global stage without leaving the country.
Syllabus-based competitions also play a key role. Renowned dance education bodies like the Royal Academy of Dance, Cecchetti Ballet and the Australian Institute of Classical Dance run their own exams and competitions, providing structured opportunities for dancers to showcase syllabus work and earn recognition within classical frameworks.
Whether you’re in a small regional town or a major capital city, there’s almost always a competition happening somewhere in Australia. Some events specialise in one or two styles, such as contemporary and ballet, while most eisteddfods offer a wide range of categories. This variety allows dancers to explore different genres, challenge themselves creatively, and build confidence in both set and spontaneous performance.
Why enter dance competitions?
There are many reasons families choose to get involved in the dance comp scene. It’s not just about medals and trophies – the developmental benefits are huge and extend well beyond the stage. And for many children, it’s also just fun – the costumes, the stage, and the buzz of backstage energy.
Benefits include:
- Performance confidence: Standing on stage builds poise and presence
- Motivation and skill improvement: Clear goals (like a comp date) push dancers to polish technique
- Discipline and time management: Juggling dance, school, and life teaches children to prioritise and plan
- Teamwork and social skills: Group routines foster collaboration and peer support
- Resilience: Children learn to cope with nerves, feedback, and setbacks
- Exposure: Big comps sometimes open doors to scholarships, workshops, and professional opportunities
So, where do I start? How do I choose the right competition for my child?
A great first step is to speak with your child’s dance teacher. They can offer valuable insight into which competitions best suit your child’s age, skill level, and goals. Not all comps are the same, and finding the right fit can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and experience.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing a competition:
- Skill level: Some comps welcome beginners, while others cater to advanced dancers and elite studios.
- Atmosphere: Smaller local comps often have a ore supportive, low-pressure vibe, whereas larger national events can be intense and competitive.
- Dance styles: Some comps focus on specific genres, like ballet or contemporary, while others cover a wide range of styles, including jazz, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, and acro.
- Feedback and judging: Look at whether the competition offers constructive feedback from qualified judges, or if results are simply announced with limited detail.
- Location and timing: Think about travel, school schedules, and how the event fits into your family’s routine.
If you’re just getting started, a local competition is often a great way to dip your toes in. It can offer a positive first experience without the higher costs or pressure of major events.
How much preparation is involved?
A lot…especially if your child is doing solos, multiple group dances, or competing at state/national level. Preparation often ramps up one to two months before comp day. And for more advanced dancers, it’s a year-round cycle.
Typical prep includes:
- Technique classes (often 2–5 times per week depending on level)
- Private lessons for solos or duos
- Routine rehearsals (group pieces may rehearse weekly)
- Costume fittings and hair/makeup practice
- Music selection and editing
- Mental preparation for nerves and performance mindset
What does it cost?
Costs can vary widely depending on how many competitions your child enters and the level of involvement. For some families, expenses stay under a few hundred dollars a year. For others, especially those with solo routines, multiple events, or interstate travel, the total can reach several thousand. If you’re just starting out, local dance competitions are often a more affordable way to get involved without a big financial commitment.
Some of the costs you will want to consider are:
- Entry fees (these can range from $25 to $100+ per routine)
- Costumes (often you can buy pre-loved costumes)
- Private lessons
- Group rehearsals are often included in term fees or extra per rehearsal
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Make-up and hair supplies
- Photos and videos, which are generally optional
What happens on comp day?
Competition day can be full-on, and as a parent, your job is to be the quiet MVP – juggling many behind-the-scenes tasks like managing transport, scheduling, costumes, helping with hair and make-up, providing emotional support, handling logistics, and encouraging effort over outcome. To keep things running smoothly, it’s essential to label everything clearly, bring music back-ups on a USB stick, and prepare a checklist ahead of time.
Here’s a rough idea of how the day typically unfolds:
- Arrive early (sometimes 1–2 hours before stage time)
- Check-in and warm up
- Hair and makeup (it’s best to do this before you arrive as space can be limited backstage)
- Change into costume
- Perform…this is the moment it all comes together!
- Receive feedback / results
- Pack down and decompress!
Closing thoughts
Dance competitions in Australia are vibrant, rewarding, and sometimes intense. They can offer life-changing experiences, but they also require time, money, and energy. Start slow, know your child, and choose events that fit with your family’s values and budget. And most importantly, celebrate progress, not just trophies.
Visit Stage Lark, home to Australia’s largest dance comp calendar. Find out more about how Stage Lark is tracking the dance comp scene and how you can subscribe for updates to our monthly newsletter.
