Tititea Performing Arts Competition adjudicator Dr Sarah Foster-Sproull says she was impressed by the skill of the dancers at a four-day Wānaka dance competition which ended on Monday (April 14).

The competition - billed as a celebration of dance - brought together 125 dancers from Wānaka and further afield for the second year in a row.

“It was so good to see a community of young, energetic dancers coming together from the lower South Island, with an impressive standard of technical ability and stage presence,” Sarah said.

She said the wellbeing of the dances was “a strong focus” throughout the event.

The competition was held over four days, starting on Friday April 11.

The competition, organised by the Tititea Performing Arts Trust, fosters a welcoming, supportive and enjoyable culture for performers from all backgrounds, geographical areas, and abilities. 

During the competition more than 600 items were performed by dancers at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Awards were given for achievements in a range of dance categories across all age groups, and categories included ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, self choreography, and more. 

On the first day of the competition (Friday April 11), the nomination for the National Young Performer Awards (NYPA) - the pinnacle achievement for many dancers - was held.

This year the competition included a hip-hop battle.

Isabel Martin (Wānaka), Sophia Hannigan Johnson (Mosgiel), and a troupe from Dance Wānaka were awarded nominations to the NYPA, which will be held in Palmerston North in October.  

There were also two ‘firsts’ at the competition this year: a hip-hop battle and the new ‘Adjudicator’s Choice’, which celebrated some of the adjudicator’s favourite performances.

Tititea Performing Arts Trust founding trustee Maxine Frazer said there was an “excellent atmosphere” across four days.

“We were delighted to see dancers from across the South Island supporting and encouraging each other right throughout the competition. That’s what this is all about.”

The event is designed to celebrate dance and the arts in a supportive and encouraging environment.

She thanked the dance parents, enthusiasts, supporters, and local businesses involved: “We simply couldn’t have delivered this event without their generosity,” Maxine said.

Maxine, together with her co-founding trustees Leigh Cohen, Maria Hearle and Gillian White, are gathering feedback from dancers and parents to help refine next year's competition.

PHOTOS: Supplied