Can Expanded Wakakirri fill the gap left by Rock Eisteddfod?

Wakakirri, formerly a primary school only event, is now offering itself as the logical replacement for Rock Eisteddfod as Australia's largest annual performing arts event for secondary schools.

With the Rock Eisteddfod cancelling all shows due to dwindling participation rates and subsequent funding constraints, Wakakirri aims to fill its impressive dance shoes. For the first time, in 2013 Wakakirri will invite all secondary school students to participate, having previously been open only to primary school-aged students.

Wakakirri is an annual festival of the arts that celebrates all forms of artistic expression including dance, song, film, art and writing. Held from July to November, Wakakirri performances take place across Australia until a 'story teller of the year' is chosen by its judging panel.

Meaning literally 'to dance a story', the aim of Wakakirri is to enrich the educational experience of each participant, improving their awareness of important and topical community issues.

This year, the judges include author Jackie French, Australian Idol star Mark Holden, So You Think You Can Dance personality Jason Coleman, actor and award-winner Luke Carroll, artist Heather Gall, television star Andrew McFarlane, Dancing With The Stars judge Todd McKenney and film actor, artist, dancer and musician Leon Burchill.

"Each school chooses to tell a different story in their performance and as a result, not only are these kids having fun, but they're learning and imparting that knowledge onto others," says Festival Director and Co-Founder of Wakakirri Adam Loxley. "Issues can range from bullying to homelessness to the environment – anything that speaks to those students."

"There's no denying that Rock Eisteddfod was a fantastic festival, however its limitation was that is didn't evolve with the times and changing technologies within the arts. It was important for us to ensure Wakakirri was accessible for a wide range of students, which is why we've expanded our criteria to include the use of, for example, film projections and live singing in the performance – rather than just dance," says Adam.

"Wakakirri is something different to the Rock Eisteddfod but ultimately, just as rewarding for both the participants and the audience."

The Wakakirri Secondary School challenge allows for even more variety with a focus on production, directing, set and costume design, acting, choreography and audio and lighting design.

"We've brought in a professional judging panel and a more Academy Awards style of production, meaning schools can win a variety of awards, not just 'Best Performance'. In saying that, one of our goals has always been to keep Wakakirri performances as intimate as we can so as not to lose that core story that is being told."

"So far, we've really found this to be a recipe for success and as long as we stay fresh and listen to our participants, we hope that continues for years to come," says Adam.

Wakakirri performances are held throughout July-November, Australia-wide in capital cities and local communities.

For more information and performance dates go to www.wakakirri.com