At Canberra’s Youth Dance Festival, there’s no first or second – just expression

Posted on 17 October, 2025

Despite its intense training and physical demands, dance has always been an art form – an expression of emotions, ideas and stories using the body as an instrument.

That’s what Dr Cathy Adamek, the Executive Director of Ausdance ACT believes – and as she prepares for the 41^st year of the Youth Dance Festival (YDF), she says that it’s this non-competitive nature and dedication to artistic expression that makes the annual competition so special.

“This capacity to create has no physical limitations. Human expression, when mediated through art, will always connect with an audience – with people. It’s the power of theatre to communicate human experience and emotion in all its colours, shapes and forms,” she explains.

“That’s what theatre provides: the essence of what it is to be human and universal all at once, and the experience is cathartic for performers and audience. This goes way beyond who’s first or second.”

Credit: Art Atelier Photography.

Taking place on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, the 2025 iteration of the event will once again see Canberra students gather together on the stage to dance while exploring the theme ‘Life on Mars’.

Empowering young people in the arts and promising a fun and creative few days of performances, for many students, YDF offers them a chance to begin shaping potential artistic careers.

Rebecca Manley, a teacher at the participating Black Mountain School, says that the magic of the festival is that it gives students a chance to express who they are in a collaborative setting.

“Dance fosters an inclusive environment where all students can express their individuality and feel a sense of belonging. Working in collaboration with our school’s Physiotherapist, Alexandra Long, movements are adapted to accommodate diverse abilities, ensuring accessibility for every participant,” she explains.

“Students work collaboratively to achieve their goals, deepening their understanding of teamwork and shared responsibility in producing the final dance piece.”

Black Mountain School practicing for YDF.

With its strong ties to advocacy in dance education, it’s no surprise that YDF prides itself on its this inclusivity.

Working with high-school students living with disabilities, for Rebecca, watching her students come together to support one another remains a highlight of the event.

“Ausdance ACT and the Canberra Theatre Centre have shown genuine care and flexibility in meeting the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued as part of the event,” she says.

“This sense of inclusion has made a huge difference, allowing students to participate with confidence and pride, knowing that their individual strengths are recognised and supported.”

“The smiles, laughter, and pride we see on their faces throughout the process reflect just how meaningful this opportunity is.”

Participating since 2005, Black Mountain School is just one of the many schools who have students in the festival.

Touching the wider Canberra community, with over four decades of experience supporting students through dance, this year will continue to carry the YDF legacy of enhancing understanding, acceptance, and connection between different groups of young people.

“There’s nothing like putting on a show to bring people together. Being part of something bigger, making something unique that exists only in a particular time, place, and space carries a kind of magic with it,” says Cathy.

“That communal magic stays with you for the rest of your life, and you make friends that last for life.”

The creative process.

But apart from learning the craft of theatre – including making props and costumes, learning about light and choosing music – what do the students take away from the experience?

“Through this shared experience, we want our students to see that their voices and creativity matter,” says Rebecca.

“Our hope is that they not only enjoy themselves but also build lasting confidence, pride, and a deeper sense of connection to their community. Ultimately, we want them to know that their contributions enrich the festival and that inclusion and collaboration make the arts and community stronger.”

Feature image: 2024 Youth Dance Festival Black Mountain School. Credit: Art Atelier Photography