Dance Arts Alliance Australia (DAA) has released a new position paper examining participation in dance and performing arts among Australian children and young people.
Drawing on data from AusPlay, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Creative Australia and industry research, the report highlights the significant role dance and performing arts play in the lives of children, families and communities across the country.
The findings demonstrate that dance is one of Australia’s largest organised participation activities for children and young people and, when considered alongside drama, singing, music and other performing arts activities, reaches more than one million Australian children annually.
Key Findings
- More than 583,000 children aged 0–14 years participate in organised dance and DanceSport activities.
- Nearly 480,000 children participate through private dance studios.
- Australia is estimated to have approximately 4,000 private dance studios.
- Around 800,000 students aged 0–18 years are enrolled in private dance studios nationally.
- Dance and performing arts activities collectively engage more than one million Australian children and young people each year.
Why This Matters
Participation in dance and performing arts contributes to far more than artistic development.
For many children and young people, these activities provide opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, resilience, teamwork, leadership skills and social connection. They also play an important role in physical activity, wellbeing and community engagement.
The report also highlights the important contribution dance makes to participation opportunities for girls and young women, with dance consistently recognised as one of Australia’s most popular organised activities for female participation.
As governments continue to focus on youth wellbeing, participation, education and community development, DAA believes the contribution of dance and performing arts education deserves greater recognition.
A Strong Voice for the Sector
As Australia’s national peak body for dance and performing arts education organisations, Dance Arts Alliance is committed to ensuring the scale, impact and value of the sector is recognised through advocacy, professional standards, child safety leadership and industry representation.
The report provides an important evidence base for ongoing conversations with government, industry stakeholders and the broader community about the role dance and performing arts play in Australian society.
Download the Full Report
Participation in Dance and Performing Arts in Australia: Children and Young People
Dance Arts Alliance Position Statement and Sector Overview
