Complete the online application form to apply.

Applications close on Tuesday 14 June 2022 at 5:00pm.

What is Combined Dance

A Combined Dance item involves groups of students from various NSW Public Schools coming together to perform the work of a selected choreographer or team of choreographers. Teachers are responsible for rehearsing set choreography and formations, which will be taught at combined rehearsals with additional support provided through online video links where necessary.

Audition Process

Schools involved in Combined Dance will be selected through an online video audition. Schools are asked to present a dance or movement sequence that will allow the audition panel to assess students’ movement ability, performance quality and skills in spatial awareness. Items should be no more than 1 minute and 30 seconds in length.

Schools may nominate groups of up to 16 students. Schools with high-quality dance programs may nominate a maximum of 24 students. It is likely that not all dancers submitted will be selected. The typical number of dancers selected from any one school is 8-12 students. You may be asked to select your best dancers from the group auditioned. Exact numbers will be notified on acceptance.

1. Read all details and confirm you are available for all dates.
2. Complete the online form. On your application add your YouTube audition video links.
3. Submit your online application to the Schools Spectacular team.

Categories

There are three separate categories for combined dance based on the year range of students involved. Schools may apply in any of the following categories.

• Kindergarten – Year 2
• Years 3 – 6
• Years 7 – 12

Students presented on your online video audition should be the current students for consideration in the 2022 Schools Spectacular. If you have any questions about this, please contact Damien McCabe, Operations Manager, on (02) 8512 1192.

Key Dates for Combined Dance:

Please note: Schools will be notified of exact details if successful.

Cost

Each dancer will require a costume. The approximate cost for each costume in 2022 will be $120. We will advise the exact cost at a later date.

The cost of the items per student will be direct debited from your school. Students will pay their school directly once the school has been notified of their acceptance into the show.

Tips from the audition panel

• Please do not submit a video of the students in a performance (such as a school performance night or dance festival). Audition videos should be filmed in a school hall or dance classroom in normal room lighting.

• Where possible, students should be dressed in form-fitting dance clothes – not school uniform or sports uniform. Students should not be dressed in ‘costume’.

• Where possible, students should either dance in bare feet or be wearing proper dance shoes or sneakers – not dancing in school shoes.

• It is beneficial for the panel to see dancers in groups doing both a standing sequence as well as a travelling sequence.

• Don’t delay in getting into the significant movement sequences. Long introductions are not necessary. It is preferred that you showcase the highlights.

• It is important that all students are able to be viewed in the video. Students should be rotated during the audition item so that all students are in the foreground at some point.

• The panel look at all students in the video, not just the ones at the front. You should ensure that all dancers included in your video are of the highest possible standard.

• Please take into account safe dance practice and suitability of movement and repertoire for the age and ability of students in your group.

• Ensure that the video is of sufficiently high quality to allow the panel to view the details of your work and your performers.

• Film your video in landscape mode

For more audition tips, visit The Arts Unit website.

Supervision

• All students at the Schools Spectacular must be supervised by a teacher at all times.

• Schools must provide a supervising teacher for the following categories: Combined Dance, Combined Choir, Specialist Ensembles, Aboriginal Dance Ensemble, Combined Drama Ensemble and D’Arts Ensemble students.

• Each group will require their own supervising teacher even if they are from the same school.

• Relief for supervising teachers is the responsibility of the school.

• Teachers are encouraged to provide active supervision at all times and support the production team during rehearsals and show week.

How to upload a video to YouTube

• Ensure your video on YouTube is marked as ‘unlisted’. 
• Please check that your video URL works before submitting it with your application. Video links that cannot be viewed by the panel cannot be considered.

How to upload a video to YouTube