Wakakirri 2024 Winners

Wakakirri extends a massive congratulations and heartfelt thank you to the 186 schools that participated in Wakakirri 2024.  Festival Director Adam Loxley praised the incredible performances and storytelling from students and teachers alike: “This year’s Story-Dance performances have reached new heights, showcasing the creativity and commitment of our schools. Each school should take immense pride in their achievements.”

With the 2024 theme, Belonging, students explored what it means to find a place in our world, creating powerful and thought-provoking performances. From bustling cities to remote outback towns, students came together to celebrate the idea that we all have a fundamental need to connect, understand, and support one another.

As the season draws to a close, Wakakirri shines a spotlight on the national award-winning schools whose stories impressed and deeply moved audiences.  These performances, and the ‘behind the scenes’ stories about why each school chose their theme, provide a fascinating glimpse into how the arts are nurturing student well-being and engagement across Australia.

Wakakirri, Australia's national Story-Dance Festival, is dedicated to helping schools develop student engagement and well-being through the power of the performing arts. By participating in Wakakirri, schools inspire positive social change through storytelling, creating performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Here are three schools that have earned national recognition for their outstanding Story-Dance performances in 2024. The full list of National Festival Award winners can be found at www.wakakirri.com.

Whitefriars School, South Australia (top)
Bungle in the Jungle
A kangaroo is mistakenly delivered to South America. At first it feels abandoned and alone, but soon realises that it’s not where you come from, but who you are that matters.

Keysborough Secondary College, Victoria
History Repeating
Belonging to a peaceful community, The Tribe is invaded by another Alien Race. Through adversity, they learn violence is not the solution and that their voices can be heard through peaceful protest.

Woonona East Public School, New South Wales
Finding Home Where the Wild Belong
Wrestling with her sense of belonging, feeling out of place at school and home. Through an adventurous journey resembling "Where the Wild Things Are," she discovered that true belonging reside where her heart finds home.

Registrations for Wakakirri 2025 are now open at www.wakakirri.com. Join us next year as we continue to celebrate the stories that shape us.