What Is Wakakirri?
Wakakirri is Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools. It gives students the opportunity to tell meaningful stories through a form called Story-Dance, combining movement, music, and narrative.
At its core, Wakakirri is about:
- Student voice and self-expression
- Wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion
- Learning through creativity and collaboration
Schools create a Story-Dance that explores a theme or issue relevant to their students, then perform it on a professional stage as part of a Wakakirri event.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Starting Pathway
Wakakirri offers flexible entry points so schools can choose what suits their experience, time, and confidence.
Beginner-Friendly Options
Many first-time schools begin with:
- The free Story-Dance Beginners Program
- A pre-designed story from the Wakakirri catalogue
These options include scripts, choreography, music, and clear instructions, helping reduce planning time and uncertainty.
Creating an Original Story
Some schools choose to create their own Story-Dance from scratch. This pathway allows students to:
- >Explore issues that matter to them
- Develop their own narrative and movement
- Take ownership of the creative process
Both pathways are equally valued and supported.
Common Questions from New Schools
Do students need dance experience?
No. Wakakirri focuses on expressive movement, not technical dance skills.
