Primary schools dance event

Background to Schools Dance Event

The original Dance Event, the inspiration of Anne Thwaites, a primary physical education teacher, was held at Salamanca Place in 1980. A total of 800 upper primary children took part. Music was broadcast from a tape deck.

Over the years, this event has grown in popularity to such an extent that it is now held in six centres statewide over a two year cycle. In 2006 143 government and non-government schools - a total of 24,500 children - will participate in the three major venues, South (Tolosa Park), North (Silverdome) and North West (Anzac Park, Ulverstone).

Music and dances for the event are written and choreographed by "Steve Ray & Friends" Dance Band, and taken from their latest CD titled "Dance Your Head Off".

Prior to the event a workshop is held for the teachers involved (i.e. teach them the dances, so they in turn can teach the children). The dances follow a multicultural folk theme and are graded for primary school children.

The aim of this event is to give emphasis to the teaching of music and dance through health & physical education or music lessons, encouraging in children the appreciation of music, the ability to interpret music and encourage positive social interaction culminating in a interactive dance experience where children come to the event venue and participate with all the other schools. Parents and friends are encouraged to be involved and dance with their children during some of the dances.

The event is a colourful spectacle with up to 2000 children dancing in any one session. With the encouragement of class teachers, children often dress in a variety of authentic costumes, wear bright street clothes or wear school sports uniform, which provide a kaleidoscope of colour and variety.