The Coast is set to host hundreds of young dancers as they converge for the finals of a state dance competition in next month.
The 2026 Dance X Competition Queensland state finals will bring together students from 76 Queensland schools, including 16 Sunshine Coast schools, for performances across jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre.
The competitors earned their place in the finals through regional competitions held across the state.
The finals will feature primary and secondary school dancers competing in solo, duo, trio and team events.
The competition will begin at the Matthew Flinders Performance Centre from October 9-11 before moving to The Events Centre, Caloundra, for the final day on October 12.
Dance X was created by two Queensland teachers in 2022 to provide school dance programs with a professional competition environment and has since grown into a statewide event.
Dance X director Kate Gardiner said the growth of the competition reflected the strength of dance education within Queensland schools.
“School dance programs across Queensland are producing incredibly talented young performers, but what makes Dance X special is the community that has developed around the event,” Mrs Gardiner said.
“These students aren’t just dancing for themselves – they are representing their schools, their teachers and their communities.
“We’ll have 76 schools represented at the finals this year, with students and families travelling to the Sunshine Coast from across Queensland.
“It’s an incredible atmosphere and a wonderful opportunity to showcase what is happening in school dance.”
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The event has expanded to four days this year, with an additional Friday evening session added to accommodate demand.
Internationally experienced Australian dancer, choreographer and performer Matt Lee will join the finals as an adjudicator, bringing more than 35 years’ experience across stage and television.
Mr Lee is a Helpmann Award winner best known for roles including Bert in Mary Poppins and Olaf in Frozen the Musical. He has also appeared in productions including RENT, Miss Saigon, Singin’ in the Rain and We Will Rock You, and was a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Australia.
His television choreography credits include The Voice Australia, The Masked Singer and Australia’s Got Talent. He has also worked with performers such as Hugh Jackman, Paula Abdul, Ricky Martin, Jessica Mauboy and Marcia Hines.
Beyond the competition, the finals will give students the chance to perform in professional venues, connect with dancers from other schools and celebrate the work of Queensland’s school dance programs.
