Among those will be students from the Kim Roe School of Dance, with about 80 students dancing in the highland, ballet, contemporary, jazz, national and musical theatre sections, following on from some students participating in the music and drama sections.

This includes nine-year-olds Kealey McHenry and Tahlia Wynter, who were yesterday busy finalising their routines at the Wellington Street dance studio.

"It is a great opportunity for the children to perform on stage," Ms Roe said.

"Every judge has a different opinion and it is wonderful for the children to get feedback about their performance, which can help them with their stage performing.

"I say to all my students, if you choose to go in these competitions it is all about experiencing that wonderful feeling of performing on stage, and they get to perform in front of friendly audience of family and friends.

"They also develop real discipline, with all the training they have to do leading up to it.

"They are so lucky to get to be able to dance in a location like the Princess Theatre."

Launceston Competitions dance convenor Di Summers said she expected a high quality level of dancing on display.

"The general public will be surprised to see the absolutely high standard of these dancers," Mrs Summers said.

The dance section began last night and will continue until next Saturday, with three sessions a day.