Festivals are dance competitions where children can perform a solo, duet, trio or in a group in the following categories of dance: Ballet, Tap, Modern, National, Character, Greek, Song & Dance, Lyrical and Acro. Some festivals are local while others are qualifiers for the All England Dance Championships.

Most children only dance for fun, attending one lesson a week and therefore not always suited to the tough world of competitions, but for those who take their dance more seriously or wish to consider dance as a full time career later in life, festivals can be fun and of great value. Pupils considered suitable for festival work are usually approached by the school principals, however if your child shows a particular interest then you can speak to the principals and they will assess your child. Festivals dances are learnt during a private lesson therefore all pupils who compete are required to have a weekly private lesson.

Festival dances are performed in front of an adjudicator. Each dancer receives a report sheet and a mark for their performance. The Adjudicator awards medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, places. A 4th place is also given. Dancers compete against pupils from other dance schools. Each dancer learns their own individual dance and each dance has its own costume.