The Sunshine Coast will come alive with music, movement and creativity this month when 57 schools from across Queensland converge for the state final of a growing dance competition.
Running from October 17 to 19 across two locations, the Dance X Competition Queensland State Finals will showcase some of the state’s most talented young dancers.
Established in 2022, the competition has grown into one of Queensland’s largest school-based performing arts showcases.
Event co-founders Kate Gardiner and Stevie-Rose Jack, both high school teachers with a combined 29 years of experience, launched Dance X to give students a stage to connect, perform and grow.
“We knew that there was a desperate need for schools to have more specialised performance opportunities, but we were surprised at the speed in which it grew and became so popular,” Ms Gardiner said.
In three years, the event has expanded from a single showcase to 11 competitions statewide.
This year more than 110 schools qualified for the state level from eight regional heats spanning Cairns to the Gold Coast, with 57 set to step into the spotlight at the finals.
“State finals are really special (with) so many schools from all over the state coming together, knowing that they have worked so hard to get there,” Ms Gardiner said.
“For most Year 12 students it is the last time they will perform with their school and it becomes really nostalgic.”
Ms Jack said Dance X was about celebrating the growing arts education happening across Queensland schools.
“Students and schools have always been creative, but as the arts become more popular in schools, the dance programs of all schools really have improved,” Ms Jack said.
“Students are going to the theatre more, being exposed to industry professionals and have more opportunity to refine their skills on stage.
“(Dance X) builds confidence. We have seen so many young dancers who have never performed before return year after year and just get better and better.
“It also builds their skills beyond dance (including) resilience, friendship (and) teamwork.
“At Dance X they really have a place to belong, both in their school team and the Dance X wider community.”
The October program will feature solo, duo and team performances across primary and secondary divisions, and students will be given the chance learn audition routines from leading industry choreographers.
Each session will finish with awards recognising artistry and excellence, with state champions crowned across all categories.
Looking to the future, Ms Gardiner said she hoped to keep growing the program across Australia.
“We would love to be the first three-round event that is just for schools,” she said.
“Imagine attending with your school the Australian national finals for Dance X. We want to have state finals in every state and finish the year with a massive national final held right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Tickets are available for state final performances at The Events Centre, Caloundra, on October 17 and Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Buderim, on October 18 and 19.
Visit Dance X Competition for more.
