Dedicated to excellence in dance

Inspiring dancers, supporting teachers and building community through quality, cutting-edge examinations and events

About

Southern Federation of Dance is a not-for-profit organisation committed to developing excellence in dance and dance education.

Southern Federation of Dance’s consistent growth in its membership base over the last 40+ years is recognition of the vital role we play in dance education in Australia.

Our focus

Southern Federation of Dance is committed to creating positive dance experiences that support, inspire, and motivate teachers, students, and the wider dance community. We champion a diverse, progressive, inclusive, and encouraging approach to dance.

Syllabus

Southern Federation of Dance offers progressive, up-to-date, examinable syllabi in Jazz, Tap, Classical and Dance Fusion. Designed to develop musicality and quality in performance, each syllabus is challenging, stimulating and allows teachers to build students’ skills while sustaining their interest in their chosen style of dance.

  • Young ballet dancers in black leotards practicing at a ballet barre in a dance studio with large windows.

    Classical

    Our Classical Syllabus builds a disciplined technical base and nurtures individual artistic expression through beautifully choreographed enchaînements.

  • SFD Jazz students

    Jazz

    Our Jazz Syllabus incorporates a variety of sub-styles including contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop and theatrical. It is updated regularly to reflect the latest musical trends and dance techniques.

  • Close-up of a pair of feet in black ballroom dance shoes, with one foot lifted, on a wooden dance floor.

    Tap

    Our Tap Syllabus is choreographed to a wide variety of music from past eras to present day. The progression of technique is carefully curated to support students in developing a high level of proficiency.

  • Three young girls practicing gymnastics or dance, performing a balancing pose with one leg extended upward and arms in different positions, wearing black leotards with lace details, against an orange background.

    Dance Fusion

    Our vibrant Dance Fusion syllabus is an exciting blend of genres created to extend the performance skills and capabilities of dance students.

Events

  • Dance convention students

    Convention

    Held in Melbourne prior to the commencement of Term 1, our Convention provides a platform to launch syllabus updates, share important developments, and equip teachers with practical workshops and teaching tools to support success throughout the year.

  • Ballet teacher and student

    Teaching Course

    Delivered by highly qualified SFD educators and industry professionals, our Teaching Course equips teachers with the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to build successful and rewarding careers in dance education.

  • SFD ballet masterclass

    Masterclasses

    Our Masterclasses are a valuable exam preparation tool for studios and a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from a qualified Southern Federation of Dance examiner. Masterclasses are run annually in Jazz, Classical and Tap in Levels 3 and above, and are held at a central location.

  • Junior jazz scholarship competitors

    Competitions

    Southern Federation of Dance’s annual competitions are well-known for the friendly, encouraging and supportive environment. Held mid-year in Melbourne, this event is open to the wider dance community, with scholarships offered exclusively to SFD exam students in Jazz, Tap and Classical.

Why SFD?

  • Laptop with a clock icon overlay

    Current

    Our syllabus is regularly updated by dance industry professionals keeping it fresh and engaging while meeting current education and dance trends.

  • Icon of three stylized people with a sun and rays above them, representing a group or community.

    Community

    SFD builds a supportive and encouraging dance community through professional development for educators and performance opportunities for students.

  • Dollar sign inside a circle

    Affordable

    We are dedicated to keeping our prices very competitive, as we believe that dance education should be affordable and accessible for all.

Testimonials

Black and white photo of three young women in dance poses, standing on one leg with the other leg extended, and arms in elegant positions against a plain background.

“Studio V has been a member of SFD for over 20 years. In all our experiences, the organisation has been exceptionally professional, always going above and beyond to support its members. SFD provides our dancers with a range of fantastic opportunities, including Examinations, Competitions, Masterclasses and Teacher Certification. We particularly value the Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Dance Fusion syllabi, which support, challenge and extend our dancers at every level. Some of our students have also completed their SFD Teacher Certification, providing a wonderful achievement and career pathway after years of dedication to dance. We are proud to be associated with SFD.” ”

Vassie Catalano
Studio Owner

  • “I have utilised the SFD syllabus in Jazz and Tap levels 1-10 for over 18 years at my studio. The SFD community is welcoming and always available to share knowledge and advice. My students and staff love that the syllabus is always evolving with modern music and choreography, and as a director it’s comforting to know my dancers are receiving rounded training and an inviting examination process. Each year my students walk out of examinations happy, with a sense of accomplishment and look forward to commencing a new level.”

    Emily Grainger
    Studio Owner

  • “Our experience with SFD is second to none. My staff and I love that the syllabi include logical progressions, ensuring students build technique safely. Levels are achievable yet allow for extension for those students who are capable. From an administrative standpoint, the team are only too happy to help!”

    Kaitlin Hague
    Studio Owner

  • “SFD is a wonderful organisation that is passionate about dance in the modern world. They are always coming up with new ways to keep students motivated and excited about dance. Progressing with the times while still keeping the core traditions of each style, SFD is accepting of everyone and has a true love of dance at its core. The organisers are easy to work with and the syllabus is up to date and a joy to teach.”

    Shilleena Collins
    Studio Owner

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We gratefully acknowledge our Major Sponsor

CONTACT

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