Prepare to be wowed yet again as the Victorian Dance Festival eagerly awaits all dancers this April 12th-14th. Directors Dan and Deb Searle alongside Artistic Director Yvette Lee have cultivated an environment infused with flair and commitment. While the festival will begin with the Vitality Teacher Conference, dancers should expect two days packed with classes catered to minis, under 13s, 14+ and full time students & professionals hosted by instructors and educators. Additionally, those keen to attend auditions and masterclasses won’t want to miss IGNITE; a performance where schools, troupes and companies will showcase their artistry.

The festival will commence hosting the Vitality Teacher Conference on Friday 12th, whereby individuals will share the room with likeminded dance teachers and owners and be educated on dance health and studio business management. This year’s guests include Lucy Durack most notably known as Wicked’s Glinda and honourable Australian choreographer Natalie Weir alongside other guest speakers. Seminars, mentoring and workshops will also follow.

Dancers must have their eyes peeled as the lineup consists of dance instructors who have choreographed for internationally acclaimed films like Elvis, been a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance, debuted on Broadway and worked for renowned brands Nike, Apple and MECCA. Yes, that’s right, Scott Pokorny & Tim Barnes, Maxwell Trengove, Kate Wormald, Jason Coleman, Trix, Luca Dinardo, Jarryd Byrne, Alex Miedzinski, Trish Squire and numerous other professionals will be joining and inspiring performers on the VDF stage this year. These dance instructors come from a variety of dance backgrounds and will offer classes including but not limited to jazz, lyrical, showgirl/guy, musical theatre, tap, ballet, latin & partnering and commercial. So, whether you’re an avid regular or a first-timer at VDF, it’s important to be aware that classes are separated by age groups; fun Saturday sessions for all mini movers, intermediate classes for under 13s, intermediate and advanced dance lessons directed at 14+ year olds as well as advanced classes for full-timers and professionals willing to gain audition techniques and of course audition.

It’s intermission, and by that we mean it’s time to peruse through the phenomenal dance market and expo which will be sure to lure crowds in once more. Whilst you head to the food trucks to refuel and prep for your second, third or fourth class, change into your newly purchased dance and footwear fit for professionals. Perhaps if you’re a studio teacher or owner, you may have an eye for all things costuming and accessories! We would also love to see some friendly faces at our Energetiks booth where our beautiful VDF merch, latest collection and handpicked pieces will be displayed.

For all dare devils and those with nothing but dance fervour, VDF invites dancers to participate in one of the four auditions offered. If wishing to excel in dance whilst travelling on a glorious cruise ship, RWS Global and Creative Studios’ Norwegian Cruise Line will hold a masterclass and Q&A, followed by auditions. New York’s very own Joffrey Ballet School instructors will also be offering masterclass auditions which can help students earn their spot for a placement and merit-based scholarship to summer intensives or be invited to their Trainee or Pre-Professional Program. Lastly, Tim Podesta Creative will be looking for selected dancers to represent his upcoming choreographic triptych.

After a day filled with pep talks, loaded tote bags, scuffed dance shoes and more, the extravaganza IGNITE will showcase young Australian talent. Last year’s crowd was entertained by Scimm Dance, Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance and even Patrick School of the Arts. One can only imagine what IGNITE24 has in store, with schools and companies set to entertain all on Saturday 13th with a myriad of impressive performances.

It’s without a doubt that each day will overflow with joy, passion and a strong sense of community, so we invite everyone to get tickets and visit us at VDF 2024! You wouldn’t want to miss out!

April 12th-14th | Melbourne Showgrounds | www.victoriandancefestival.com | @vicdancefestival

Article by Lara Divitcos

Photography by Elly Ford

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