About 300 students from more than 20 Riverina school met on the Albury stage for the region’s annual Dance Festival this week.

Festival co-ordinator and James Fallon High School teacher Katrina Joss said the Albury Entertainment Centre stage was bigger than many of the students had performed on before.

Tap, jazz and musical theatre were among they styles that were part of a show for the public last night.

“It all fits with what is expected in dance from kindergarten to year 12,” Ms Joss said.

“Through the festival, you are able to see all the stages students are at in the syllabus.”

Ms Joss said the festival wasn’t just a learning experience for students — it was also an opportunity for teachers to study and learn from each other.

“For me, it’s about watching other people’s work,” she said.

Ms Joss said it was important to support dance because it embodies many skills that could be applied to overall learning.

“You learn about problem-solving doing the routines and you use different parts of the brain,” she said.”