Primary School Dance Festival in Belfast

22nd June 2026

For the past fifteen years, the Primary School Dance Festival has provided hundreds of children aged 5 to 11 years in the Greater Belfast area with the opportunity to celebrate dance in a professional theatre.

This year we welcomed almost 200 children from nine different schools over two busy, noisy, joyful days of movement, creativity and sharing at Belvoir Players Theatre. Just have a look at these photos below.

The aim of the non-competitive, annual festival is to increase interest in dance in primary schools and develop the skills and confidence of teachers by giving them tools at pre-festival workshops they can use to embed dance in their school curriculum.

One teacher explains why these workshops are so vital:

“We have loved having Sean work with us over the last two weeks. His sessions are the highlight of the day. Full of fun and great energy! The children have thoroughly enjoyed their practices and it shows in their excitement for the upcoming performance.”

On the day, the schools performed for each other and watched a live solo piece called Disco Snails created by professional dance artist and Belfast Boys director Sean O’Neill.  There are also art activities, snacks and outdoor games to enjoy.

Hannah Penton from Glenwood Primary School said:

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the wonderful day the children had. My class absolutely loved it and have been non stop asking for Disco Snails to dance to. Many thanks to you and the whole team for making it happen.” 

(Photo credit: Jim Corr Photography)