By KATRINA BRANDON

 

INVITING young dancers to the local stage across Victoria, the Moe Dance Eisteddfod is set to open next Tuesday (April 7).

Held at the Lowanna College Auditorium, around 21 dance schools from across the state take place, performing in all types of dance styles, such as classical, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, song and dance, character dances, national dances (dances of a country), solos, duos, and the occasional trios.

Last year, the eisteddfod hosted more than 340 performers.

From across Victoria, south east Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, south, east and west Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley and surrounding areas, the eisteddfod welcomes schools and performers aged two to 18, to come together to share their passion for dance.

This year, Moe Dance Eisteddfod’s President, Kate Moroney told the Express there was 347 performers enrolled.

“This year we’re excited to welcome 347 individual performers from across the region with over 1563 dances being performed, and the level of talent continues to grow every year,” Mrs Moroney said.

“The Moe Dance Eisteddfod is something our community looks forward to every year. It’s wonderful to see so many young performers take to the stage and share their passion for dance.

“For many young dancers, this is their first time performing on stage, so the Eisteddfod provides an incredibly supportive environment for them to build confidence and experience.

“We encourage the community to come along

and support these talented young dancers.”

Welcoming another year of dance to the local stage, the Moe Dance Eisteddfod is celebrating its 30th performance across 31 years hosting.

Mrs Moroney said she was extremely excited for another year and more talent.

“With the 2026 Moe Dance Eisteddfod being our 30th eisteddfod, it is incredibly special to see it continue to grow and inspire young dancers across the region,” she said.

“Over the past three decades, we’ve seen generations of dancers take to the stage. Many who once performed here as children now return as teachers or bring their own children to perform.

“We’re honoured to have Sharon Gibson (Latrobe City Mayor) formally open this year’s Moe Dance Eisteddfod at the beginning of the evening session on our first night.”

Since 1995, the Moe Dance Eisteddfod has invited young dancers to perform, make friends and have fun.

During each round, dancers are judged on their performance by experienced adjudicators, who have a vast amount of experience on and off stage.

Adjudicators for 2026 are Peta Markham-Ward and Chantelle Duncan.

Ms Markham-Ward has more than 35 years of experience in performing and teaching, along with 20 years of adjudicating dance and cheer at local, regional and nation levels. Ms Markham-Ward’s passion for dance started in high school, were she trained in various dance styles, drama and singing.

Ms Duncan began dancing at the age of seven, and went on to study a wide range of genres at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). Her experience lies in ballet, jazz, Glenn Wood Tap (GWT), Broadway jazz, lyrical and contemporary.

She has performed in productions and eisteddfods across Australia and internationally, and completed all her RAD examinations. Chantelle’s passion for dancing led her to teaching and successfully completing her teaching certificate with the RAD.

For more information, go to the Moe Dance Eisteddfod Facebook page or: https://www.moedanceeisteddfod.org.au/