In 2021 the Schools Spectacular will be a composite of live and digital performances. If selected, you will be informed whether your performance will be live in the arena or part of the digital component.
In 2021 the Schools Spectacular will be a composite of live and digital performances. If selected, you will be informed whether your performance will be live in the arena or part of the digital component.
Featured Dance Ensembles of the Schools Spectacular represent some of the best dancers within NSW Public Schools. This category is an excellent platform for developing and showcasing outstanding dance talent to the rest of the state and Australia. This category is open to dancers in Years 9-12 in the styles of ballet, tap, hip-hop, music theatre, jazz and contemporary.
Please note: This category is only open to students in Years 9-12 who currently attend a NSW Public School.
In 2021, music theatre, jazz and contemporary dance ensembles will be combined into one Featured Dance Ensemble.
Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and the Combined Dance Ensemble (Music Theatre, Jazz and Contemporary) will be selected via a 2 part audition process. Students will submit a video audition and this will be reviewed by a panel. Successful video round applicants will then be invited to attend a live audition held in Sydney during the period from Thursday 17 June to Tuesday 22 June 2021. Specific dates for each style will be notified upon acceptance.
Please refer to the bottom of this page for the audition videos for the Featured Dance Auditions for 2021. All applicants will submit the same routine for the video round. You must learn the choreography for your style and submit that video as part of the application process.
Please note: If successful, students will be selected to perform in a maximum of 3 Featured Dance Ensembles.
To submit an application in 2021 you must:
Students who performed as part of a Featured Dance Ensemble in the 2019 Schools Spectacular or are currently a member of The Arts Units’ NSW Public Schools Dance Ensembles in 2021, are not required to submit a video audition. They must complete an online application form. These students will automatically be eligible for the live round of auditions.
Please only apply in styles you are currently studying as an advanced student.
Monday 19 April 2021 | Online applications open |
Tuesday 18 May 2021 | Online applications close |
Thursday 17 June, Friday 18 June, Monday 21 June and Tuesday 22 June 2021 | Featured Dance Ensembles live auditions in Sydney |
Late July 2021 | Students notified of their acceptance into show |
Monday 6 September – Friday 12 November 2021 | Item and segment rehearsals and recordings – During this time each Featured Dance Ensemble will have 3 rehearsals – exact dates to be notified |
Monday 25 October 2021 (TBC) | First combined dance rehearsal |
Wednesday 17 November – Thursday 18 November 2021 | Second combined dance rehearsal |
Thursday 18 November 2021 | Full dress rehearsal |
Friday 19 November 2021 | Schools preview and evening performances |
Saturday 20 November 2021 | Matinee and evening performances |
Please note: Students wishing to be a Featured Dancer for the 2021 Schools Spectacular must be available for all dates listed above. The only exceptions will be for rehearsals that directly clash with students’ HSC examinations.
Featured Dancers will require a costume and prop for each item. The costume and prop will cost approximately $120.
Costume costs will be direct debited from the students school. Students will pay their school directly once they have been notified of their acceptance into the show.
Please note: The Arts Unit does not own all the content featured in these audition videos.
‘Almost Like Being In Love’ song