Seven hundred and thirty dancers will take to the stage of the Princess Theatre in events running until October 6, in Launceston’s biggest annual dance competition.  

Launceston Festival of Dance committee publicity officer Carissa O’Sign said families had travelled from across the state to compete. 

“It brings all the dance community together in a celebration for children, where the focus is on enjoyment and meeting personal goals for each child,” she said.

Along with the usual tap, jazz, ballet, neo modern, group, and solo divisions, the festival has opened up a special needs section for the first time this year. 

“We’ve just had two amazing sections [on Sunday],” Ms O’Sign said. 

“The first was for special needs – that was an absolutely beautiful section. The audience was getting really involved. 

“We only had one competitor this year, but we encourage anyone to join in future.”

The second stand-out for Ms O’Sign was the under 6’s non-competitive section, which had four groups participating.  

“You don’t always have to place or compete to have a great time, and it’s just good to get them used to being on stage,” she said. 

“Dancing builds self-awareness, independence and character, and I think that it helps them build confidence, as well as life-long relationships and friendships.”

Drew Anthony and Nicky Manego are the adjudicators for this year, which is the 27th year of the festival. 

Tickets are available at the door.