Festival information pack.

About festivals

What is the aim of festivals?

Festivals provide an opportunity for children who show exceptional potential or outstanding dedication to their dance training to further develop their performance skills. Regular stage experience helps build confidence and allows them to enjoy and fulfil their passion for dance.

What are festivals?

Festivals are dance competitions where students perform alongside children from other schools in front of a live audience and an adjudicator who specialises in dance. Entries are grouped by age, dance genre, and performance type (e.g. solo, duet, trio). Every participant receives feedback and a certificate, with medals awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places (Medals are not typically awarded for group dances, but many festivals offer them for purchase by members of winning routines.) Dancers who achieve a high enough mark at a qualifying festival may progress to the regional round of the All England Dance Festival, held every two years during the May half term. Successful regional dancers then have the chance to compete at the prestigious All England National Finals in July / August.

Suggested festivals

HOW MANY FESTIVALS ARE THERE?

Our festival students can compete in as many local dance festivals as they'd like each year. We have created a list of festivals as our suggested competitions to attend, however you can enter more or less depending on your preference.

COVENTRY

Weekends in September / October

MILTON KEYNES

February half term + 1 weekend in March

LUTON (Letchworth)

Weekends in March

RUISLIP

April half term

WATFORD

Weekends in April

NUNEATON

Weekends in May

MID BUCKS (Leighton Buzzard / Dunstable)

Weekends in June

ALL ENGLAND REGIONAL FINALS

(Berkhamstead / Stevenage / Warwick) May half term bi-annually

ALL ENGLAND GRAND FINALS (TBC)

JULY / AUGUST bi-annually

Classes and teacher support

Which classes do festival students need to attend?

To take part in festivals, students must attend our regular weekly classes in the relevant genre. For example, those wishing to compete with a ballet solo must be enrolled in our graded ballet classes. In addition, students will need to take private lessons to learn and refine their solo. We typically recommend a weekly 30-minute private session to ensure the piece reaches performance standard. Pupils who consistently attend private lessons or coaching sessions throughout the year tend to achieve higher marks at festivals and in exams, as their routines are more polished and can be developed further in line with their growing confidence and skill. If you would like to be considered for the festival team, please speak to Miss Leanne.

WHAT IS THE TEACHER’S ROLE?

Miss Leanne (or the teacher assigned to choreograph your piece) will select the music, create the concept, and develop the choreography. They will also edit the music as needed and advise on a suitable costume to complement the routine. Where possible, members of the teaching team will attend the festival to support and guide students, helping them get the most out of their performance experience.

Dance genres: ballet

Festival students may enter solos, duets, trios, or group dances across a variety of genres. All entries should demonstrate strong technique, confident performance, and age-appropriate material. Below is a summary of each genre, including performance expectations and costume guidance.

CLASSICAL BALLET all ages

Requirements: Should include both adage and allegro. Danced in soft or pointe shoes (depending on age and ability). Classical repertoire is not permitted.

Focus: Turnout, posture, alignment, port de bras, classical line, and musical interpretation.

Costume: Classical and appropriate to the style. Skirts should not obscure leg lines. Romantic tutus are acceptable where suitable.

MODERN BALLET / CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Requirements: A blend of classical and modern styles, with influences from choreographers such as Crystal Pite or Wayne McGregor.

Focus: Strong classical base with freedom in the spine, expressive dynamics, and creative use of space.

Costume: Must allow freedom of movement and clearly show body lines.

Dance genres: character, contemporary and national

NARRATIVE / CHARACTER all ages

Requirements: Focuses on storytelling or characterisation. The character may be human, animal, emotional, or abstract. Any dance style may be used if it supports the narrative.

Focus: Clear character development, strong use of expression, and purposeful movement.

Costume: Should reflect the character or theme. Props may be used to enhance the story.

CONTEMPORARY

Requirements: Should be grounded in a recognised contemporary technique (e.g. Graham, Cunningham, Release).

Focus: Breath, weight, fluidity, clear movement initiation, and use of levels and space.

Costume: Should suit the theme and allow unrestricted movement.

GLOBAL / NATIONAL all ages

Requirements: Based on traditional or stylised dances from a specific country or region.

Focus: Authenticity in style, musicality, cultural accuracy, and appropriate use of steps and formations.

Costume: Traditional and respectful to the style. Footwear and accessories should be culturally appropriate.

Dance genres: Greek, musical theatre and tap

CLASSICAL GREEK all ages

Requirements: Based on the Ruby Ginner technique and performed barefoot. May explore myths, nature, or abstract themes.

Focus: Opposition, breath, use of spine, dynamic contrast, and sensitivity to music or spoken word.

Costume: Thematic and supportive of the concept. Props may be used where appropriate.

MUSICAL THEATRE all ages

Requirements: Combines singing, acting, and movement. Song choice must be age-appropriate and within the performer’s vocal range.

Focus: Vocal control, clarity of diction, characterisation, and storytelling through movement.

Costume: Reflective of the character, period, and setting. Should support the movement and style of the piece.

TAP all ages

Requirements: May include any recognised tap style. Must show rhythmic accuracy and clarity.

Focus: Timing, tone, clean footwork, stylistic interpretation, and upper body coordination.

Costume: Must not distract from the feet. Taps should be securely attached and produce a clear sound.

Dance genres: modern, lyrical and groups

JAZZ / MODERN all ages

Requirements: Underpinned by strong jazz technique. Can draw from a range of stylistic influences.

Focus: Clear lines, control in turns and elevation, musicality, stamina, and fluid transitions.

Costume: Should suit the routine and be age-appropriate. Must allow full movement and show body lines.

LYRICAL

Requirements: Expresses music and lyrics through movement. No acrobatic tricks permitted.

Focus: Emotional authenticity, breath, fluidity, musical interpretation, and technical strength.

Costume: Should complement the mood and movement, and enhance the dancer’s lines.

GROUP DANCES all ages

Most our students start their Festival journey by joining our group dances. as they are a great way to build confidence and gain stage experience, All students are required to attend weekly rehearsal sessions and be available for all Festival performances.

Being part of the festival team

What is your child’s role?

To embrace the experience, enjoy learning new choreography, and give their all on stage. We hope they’ll have a fantastic time wearing their costumes, growing in confidence, and developing their love for dance and performing.

What is your role as a parent?

Your support is a vital part of your child’s festival journey. We ask that parents commit to regular class attendance, private lessons, rehearsals, and costume fittings to ensure their child feels fully prepared and confident on stage. Encouragement at home, a positive attitude, and open communication with teachers help create a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Above all, we hope you take pride in your child’s progress and celebrate their growth as a performer.

Being Part of the LHTS Festival Team

Representing LHTS at festivals is both an honour and a commitment. It reflects a student’s hard work, potential, and dedication to their training. As part of the festival team, we ask that students and their families approach every opportunity with pride, humility, and a supportive attitude. Our dancers represent the school and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect, and good sportsmanship at all times—both on and off the stage. We encourage a positive team spirit where students cheer each other on and families help create an uplifting, inclusive environment. Parents play a vital role by ensuring consistent attendance, maintaining open communication, and being champions of the process—not just the outcome. Being part of the festival team also opens the door to additional performance opportunities, including events such as the May Fayre, Stars of Tomorrow, Jump Start, and other local showcases throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of the standard we uphold at festivals, and we ask that all involved take pride in representing Leanne Hughes Theatre School at the highest level.

Costs and festival uniform

Private Lessons

Fees for private lessons can be accessed on our fees page.

Most solo routines will require regular weekly coaching (approximately 5–6 lessons) to reach performance standard, but this depends on the dancer.

For duets and trios, the cost of the session is shared between the dancers, making it a more cost-effective option.

Group Sessions

Group rehearsals are charged weekly, with fees based on the length of the session. These usually start from £3.00 per dancer and will be confirmed in advance.

Polishing Sessions

Once a routine is complete, polishing sessions with one of our dance coaches can be booked to refine performance quality. These are offered at a reduced rate of £10 per 30 minutes.

Festival Entry Fees

Entry fees vary depending on the festival, but typically start from £6 per solo. We ask that all entry fees are paid promptly along with your entry form, allowing us to secure places as soon as bookings open and to keep admin time to a minimum.

Costumes

Costume costs can range from £15 to £300+. When starting out, we recommend more affordable options. If your child later chooses to pursue festivals more seriously, you may consider investing in higher-end costumes—though there is no pressure to do so.

Additional Costs to Consider

Dancewear: Appropriate dance shoes, tights/socks, and undergarments

Headpieces: Sometimes included with costumes, often not

Props: Occasionally required, particularly for narrative or musical theatre routines

Make-up: No need for expensive brands—a simple stage kit is sufficient

Other expenses: Travel, parking, and accommodation where applicable. Dancers are typically admitted to festivals free of charge, but audience entry fees may apply.

Festival Uniform

All dancers are required to attend festivals wearing LHTS-branded garments (such as tracksuits or T-shirts) when not in costume. This ensures a professional, unified appearance and helps promote a sense of team identity. We aim to keep costs manageable and will always offer guidance on affordable options wherever possible. Taking part in festivals involves some financial commitment, and we aim to be as transparent as possible about the associated costs so that families can plan and budget accordingly.

Commitment and attendance

Important Considerations Before Joining the Festival Team

1. Commitment Level

Joining the festival team requires a high level of dedication. Please consider whether you and your child can fully commit before signing up.

2. Weekend and Holiday Availability

Festivals typically take place during weekends and school holidays. Unfortunately, we often receive final schedules with very little notice — flexibility and availability during these times is essential.

3. Long Days

Festival days can be long and tiring. Please ensure both you and your child are prepared for early starts and late finishes.

4. Competitive Environment

We compete at a high level and promote a positive, sportsmanlike attitude. Not every child will win every time — growth, improvement, and success come through passion, perseverance, and consistent effort.

5. Rehearsal Commitment

For group dances, we require 100% attendance at all rehearsals and performances. We understand that unavoidable absences may occur, but we ask for as much notice as possible so choreography can be adjusted accordingly. Even if your child cannot perform, they are still expected to attend rehearsals in the lead-up to the event. If a student misses two consecutive rehearsals, we may need to remove them from upcoming performances to maintain group cohesion.

6. Entry Fees

Please note that entry fees for group dances must still be paid, even if a child is later unable to perform due to absence.

Why festivals are rewarding

Why Festivals Are So Rewarding?

Dance festivals offer a unique and enriching experience for young performers, both on and off the stage. They help build confidence, resilience, and independence as students learn to perform under pressure, adapt to new environments, and support their peers. One of the most valuable aspects of festivals is the opportunity to receive individual feedback from industry professionals. These adjudicators provide constructive comments and guidance, helping dancers grow in both technique and artistry. Performing regularly for a live audience also strengthens stage presence and builds the confidence to connect with others through movement. Festivals encourage personal growth and a sense of discipline. Dancers learn to set goals, take pride in their progress, and push themselves to achieve their best. Beyond the technical development, festivals also foster a strong sense of community. Dancers build lasting friendships, learn teamwork and sportsmanship, and develop a shared sense of achievement. Whether they come home with medals or not, every child gains invaluable experience, treasured memories, and a deeper love for dance!

What parents say

More from our parents

From pupil to adjudicator

Meet Adam Scott (Adam Lewis)

– a proud LHTS alumnus whose journey through the world of dance began right here, competing in festivals and winning medals at the prestigious All England Dance Finals. Adam’s years at LHTS not only shaped his performance skills but also ignited a passion that has led him to become a world-class teacher and choreographer. His career has now come full circle, as he joins the panel of All England adjudicators—bringing his expertise, insight, and encouragement to the next generation of performers.

“Competing in dance festivals as a young performer with Leanne Hughes Theatre School was a truly special part of my training. It was within that supportive environment that my talent was nurtured, my confidence grew, and my love for performance truly flourished. Not only did my own dance talents grow, but I also learned how to work as part of a team, developing my communication skills, whether that was in duets, trios, or groups. I have now created my own 'full circle' and am now an adjudicator on the same festival circuit - this is an incredibly rewarding experience. There’s such joy in watching the next generation of dancers develop their skills, creativity, and stage presence—just as I once did. It’s a privilege to offer encouragement and guidance, and to celebrate the passion and hard work of every young performer stepping onto that stage.”

Joining the festival team

Ready to Join the LHTS Festival Team?

If you’d like to be considered for festivals with LHTS, we’re thrilled— what an exciting step! Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact Miss Leanne to confirm your interest and let us know which categories you’d like to be considered for.

2. If you’re unsure and would like to watch a festival before committing, just let us know. We can arrange for you to attend an event—something we also recommend even if you decide to go ahead, as it gives students great context and inspiration before competing themselves.

3. Once we have this information, Miss Leanne will advise you on arranging private lessons and next steps in line with the festivals you’ll be entering.

Questions and contact

Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – you can reach us at lhtheatreschool@gmail.com. We understand it may feel quite detailed, but it’s important to us that we're transparent about what’s involved. Festivals are an exciting, rewarding experience and a wonderful way for children to gain regular performance opportunities and grow in confidence. We truly hope they come to love being part of the festival journey.