Festivals are competitions that are afiliated to the All England Dance Festival

Association and the Federation of Festivals for Music Dance and Speech.

 

Their aim is to provide competitive opportunities for amateur dancers to perform,

build confidence, learn from others and to demonstrate their artistic abilities before

an audience and judging professionals. 

 

TPA will enter pupils into the festivals when we feel they are capable and willing to put the 

additional work in that is required to represent the school.

 

TPA has found festivals provide a fantastic experience for the dancers that

participate in them. They gain experience, confidence and make lifelong friends.

It is also a lovely opportunity for dancers to work together, supporting each other

and competing as part of a team.

 

If you would like your child to be entered for festivals please be aware of the three C's:

 

              Costume ~ Cost ~ Commitment                             

 

Costume:            Costume, hair and makeup are required to suit the style or period of the dance.

                               It is the parent's responsibility to provide costumes for their child as requested by the 

                              choreographing teacher. However, help and advice are available from the school and

                              experienced festival parents, please refer to our costume page. 

 

Cost:                    There are many costs involved in festivals. These include:

                              ~ Entry fees per dance

                              ~ Rehearsal costs

                                        ~ Music costs (sourcing, cutting and copying of appropriate tracks)

                              ~ Costumde costs, including shoes and accessories. Please note there are many costumes 

                                 available for hire at a reasonable price.

 

Commitment: Festivals require dedication for both Parents and Dancers.  Rehearsal time is limited, so we

                             therefore expect dancers to attend all rehearsals allocated to them.

 

 

    

Local festivals are as follows;

 

Nominated Festivals

Royal Tunbridge Wells Dance Festivals          -February Half Term 

Eastbourne Music & Arts Festival                   - February Half Term

Medway Stage Festival                                     - Weekends in April & May

East Grinstead Dance Festival                         - Weekends in April

Canterbury Dance Festival                               -July/August, Start of the Summer 

Swale Stage Festival                                          - Weekends in September & October

Orpington  Dance Festival                                -October Half Term 

Beckenham Festival                                           -Weekends in October & November

 

 

Regional Semi-Finals (Cranbrook)               -May Half Term

National Finals (London)                               - July/August, Start of the Summer Holidays

 

 

 

TPA have seen many successes at festivals over the past years. The National Finals that take place every two years are held in July/August. A number of dances entered by TPA into the Nominated finals, succeeded in the Regional Semi-finals and went on to compete in the National Finals with the following results.

 

 

2013

Ist Place, Gold Medal            - Song & Dance Duet            -Izzy Haskett-Jackson & Jody Laughton-Zimmerman

3rd Place, Bronze Medal      - Song & Dance Solo             -Jess Chappenden

3rd Place, Bronze Medal      - Song and Dance Quartet  -Thierry Laugton-Zimmerman, Jody Laughton-Zimmerman,                                                                                                          Izzy Haskett-JAckson & Jess Chappenden. 

 

2011

1st Place, Gold Medal            - Song & Dance Trio            -Svea Filz, Izzy Haskett-Jackson & Jody Laughton-                                                                                                                                Zimmerman.