SHIRLEY DANCE FESTIVAL
Festival Sections
Explore our competition categories, school year groups and performance time limits.
Important Information
All age categories are determined by the dancer’s school year.
For duets, trios and groups, the oldest dancer determines which school year category the performance enters.
DANCE STYLES
Our Competition Genres
The following genres are available across our solo, duet, trio and group sections.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
Solo Sections
Our solo school year categories and time limits remain unchanged.
| School Years | Dance Genres* | Musical Theatre |
|---|---|---|
| R & 1 | 1.5 mins | 2 mins |
| 2 & 3 | 1.5 mins | 2 mins |
| 4 & 5 | 1.5 mins | 2 mins |
| 6 & 7 | 2 mins | 2.5 mins |
| 8 & 9 | 2 mins | 2.5 mins |
| 10 & 11 | 2 mins | 2.5 mins |
| 12 & 13 | 2 mins | 2.5 mins |
*Dance Genres includes Acro, Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Greek, Lyrical, Modern and Tap.
PERFORMING TOGETHER
Duets & Trios
Our updated school year categories for duet and trio performances.
| Category | School Years | Dance Genres* | Musical Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minis | R–3 | 2 mins | 2.5 mins |
| Juniors | 4–6 | 2.5 mins | 3 mins |
| Inters | 7–9 | 2.5 mins | 3 mins |
| Seniors | 10–13 | 2.5 mins | 3 mins |
*Dance Genres includes Acro, Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Greek, Lyrical, Modern and Tap.
THE JOY OF GROUP PERFORMANCE
Group Sections
Our updated school year categories for group performances.
| Category | School Years | Dance Genres* | Musical Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minis | R–3 | 2.5 mins | 3 mins |
| Juniors | 4–6 | 2.5 mins | 3 mins |
| Inters | 7–9 | 3 mins | 3.5 mins |
| Seniors | 10–13 | 3 mins | 3.5 mins |
*Dance Genres includes Acro, Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Greek, Lyrical, Modern and Tap.
NEXT FESTIVAL
24th & 25th April 2027
Entries open 1st November 2026 through Play & Perform.
View Entry Portal ↗Any Questions?
For more information about our competition, please see our rules or contact us.
