GREAT STORIES INSPIRE CHANGE
Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance. Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dances.
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Held in term 3, this grand celebration showcases the Story-Dances from schools all across the country. With prestigious theatres in major cities and carefully selected regional areas serving as our venues, we ensure that no school is left behind. Even those in remote and regional areas can participate through our innovative Wakakirri Video platform.
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At the end of the season, we recognise and honour outstanding schools for their remarkable efforts in promoting positive social change through their Story-Dances.
WHY DO WAKAKIRRI
Hear from teachers who’ve experienced the positive impact Wakakirri has on students, helping them express their ideas, build resilience, and shine on stage.
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​"Nothing can prepare you for the absolute joy the children will feel as they perform and feel like they have accomplished great things. The teamwork, the hard work, the sense of connection and belonging that comes from participating is not matched by anything else I have seen in my 35 years in education."
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"Never before have we had an event that has brought ALL of us together. It means the world to us."​
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Read more about the benefits of Wakakirri
WAKAKIRRI AMBASSADORS
Wakakirri enjoys the support of some of Australia’s leading industry professionals who give their time as part of our National Panel to encourage the next performing arts generation.
Wakakirri Ambassadors partner with Wakakirri in various ways including participating in Performing Arts Careers Day, mentoring workshops and activities on Show Days, appearing in Waka TV, marketing and advocacy.​
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WHAT IS A STORY-DANCE?
A Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3-7 minute performance where a group of students theatrically tells a story using a combination of dance, creative movement, acting, and pre-recorded music. Story-Dances can be performed live or submitted via video.
Schools can unleash their creativity by incorporating any mix of dance styles, acting, music, props, costumes, sets, and film projections to enhance their storytelling, all while considering sustainability and minimising their environmental footprint. We also offer special awards to schools excelling in this area.​​​​​ For an extra challenge, schools can choose to incorporate the annual festival motif into their story, although it’s not compulsory. The possibilities are endless!
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WHAT STORY CAN WE TELL?
At Wakakirri, schools have the freedom to choose any story they wish to tell, guided by our ethos of “great stories inspire change” and the annual festival motif (in 2024, the motif is “BELONGING”).
Popular themes include environmental issues, social topics, cultural heritage, health, history, and reconciliation narratives. Each year, hundreds of primary schools across Australia create and perform Story-Dances that reflect their students’ thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.​​
FESTIVAL AWARDS & THEME
​Wakakirri has chosen BELONGING as the motif for 2024. Belonging is an essential human need, as it fulfills our desire for social interaction, support, and understanding. It provides us with a sense of identity and purpose, and helps us feel secure and grounded in the world. When we feel a sense of belonging, we are more likely to feel confident, empowered, and engaged in our personal and professional lives.
Wakakirri celebrates schools that embody the Wakakirri ethos through our ambassadors’ assessments and awards. Outstanding schools that raise awareness, promote community building, and excel in the performing arts are acknowledged with State and National Awards and showcased via our website, local and national media.
WHICH SCHOOLS CAN PARTICIPATE?
Every primary, secondary and independent dance/performing arts school are welcome to participate, and group sizes for live events can range from 20 to 120 students. There are no minimum or maximum group size restrictions for video submissions.
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Students of all experience levels can participate, with a focus on creative movement and drama rather than technical dance. Our emphasis is on creative storytelling and sustainability, promoting inclusive and imaginative performances without the need for expensive and extravagant productions
COSTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Participation fees for Wakakirri Live are $39 (incl GST) per student which includes pre-season workshops, certificates and a digital copy of your school’s performance. Parents and friends are invited to watch students perform with tickets prices starting at $36. Other costs to consider include props, costumes and transport to the theatre. The fee for Wakakirri Video is $200 (incl GST) per entry. This includes screening, certificates and feedback.
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The Wakakirri Inspiration Fund was established to encourage and assist disadvantaged schools to participate in Wakakirri. The fund is filled each year by public donations and grants. Schools can apply for funding for subsidising student participation fees for Wakakirri Live. More information here
HELP CREATING YOUR PERFORMANCE
To assist schools along the way, Wakakirri provides an array of resources, including video tutorials, masterclasses, and a "how to" guide. We want to ensure that every school feels supported throughout their Wakakirri journey.​
We understand that schools may need assistance, especially if they are under-resourced or their teachers have limited time. That’s why we offer the Wakakirri Artist in Residence program as a solution. Wakakirri can provide a qualified expert Facilitator that will come to your school and help create a story-dance performance for everyone involved! If your school is considering engaging in our Artists in Residence program, we invite you to explore our dedicated
2024 SHOW DATES
ACT: Performance Shows - Canberra Theatre 29 - 31 July Awards Show - Canberra Theatre 26 August
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NSW Sydney: Performance Shows - NIDA 5 - 6 August & Riverside Theatres 19 - 22 August Awards Shows - NIDA 17 - 19 September
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NSW Wollongong: Performance Show only - WIN Entertainment Centre 13 August
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QLD Brisbane: Performance Shows - Logan Entertainment Centre 6 - 8 August. Awards Shows - Logan Entertainment Centre 5 - 6 September
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QLD Sunshine Coast: Performance Show only - The Events Centre 2 August
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SA: Performance Shows - Norwood Concert Hall 6 - 9 August. Awards Show - Norwood Concert Hall 4 Sept
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VIC: Performance Shows - Clocktower Centre 31 July - 2 August | Frankston Arts Centre 20 - 23 August
Awards Shows: Clocktower Centre 12 - 13 September | Frankston Arts Centre 9 September
WA: Performance Show only - Perth Concert Hall 12 August