SCS dancers shine with 83 nominations for prestigious HSC CALLBACK showcase
Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) students have earned an impressive 83 nominations for CALLBACK, the prestigious NSW HSC Dance showcase.
A total of 58 students received nominations, meaning more than half of SCS’s 2026 HSC Dance candidates were recognised across the three practical examination components: Major Study, Core Performance and Core Composition. The results highlight the talent, creativity and dedication of SCS’s young dancers.
A standout achievement came from SCS’s accelerated XLR8 Dance program, with all 10 students in its inaugural graduating cohort receiving at least one CALLBACK nomination.
XLR8 makes a strong debut
XLR8 is an accelerated pathway that allows selected students to complete their HSC Dance studies a year ahead of the usual schedule.
Five of the 10 students in the inaugural cohort received nominations across all three HSC Dance practical components. These components recognise students’ abilities to perform a solo dance, create original choreography and develop work in their chosen Major Study area, showcasing their skills as both performers and choreographers.
ViVA students recognised
The 17 ViVA students in the 2026 HSC cohort received 35 CALLBACK nominations.
ViVA gives SCS secondary students the opportunity to study HSC Dance, even when the subject isn’t offered at their own school. Through weekly face-to-face workshops and online theory modules, students receive specialist instruction and develop their practical and theoretical skills alongside like-minded dancers, while remaining enrolled at their current school.
Students attend combined Dance classes across four hubs: Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton and Marist Catholic College Penshurst.
The impact of SCS dance
For Tory, a Year 12 student at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington, SCS dance opportunities have helped her thrive as a dancer, performer and choreographer.
“I have been involved in several SCS dance opportunities throughout primary and high school, including XLR8, Eisteddfods and dance workshops. These have greatly contributed to my overall technical ability and performance, my mindset and my ability to push myself and take my dancing to its full potential.
“Most importantly, they have helped me become an insightful, helpful and collaborative dancer and choreographer. I’ve also made lifelong friends and had experiences I’ll always remember through these opportunities,” Tory said.
“I have gained limitless confidence from simply surrounding myself with such positive and supportive characters at SCS dance opportunities, specifically at the Eisteddfods, where everyone collaborates and creates a truly magical, nurturing atmosphere.”
Supporting our HSC dancers
Behind this year’s outstanding HSC Dance results is the dedication of SCS Dance teachers, choreographers and program coordinators, whose expertise and encouragement have supported students throughout their dance journeys.
With their written examination completed on 29 October, this year’s HSC Dance students have now concluded their assessments, marking the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
For students considering getting involved in SCS dance, Tory has a simple message:
“Bring your friends, or come along and make some new ones. Everyone is welcome and super supportive of each other. That’s what makes dance the best.”
Ready to take the next step in your dance journey? Find out more about the 2027–28 ViVA program and submit an application online.
Parents and carers will need a Flexischools account to apply. New to Flexischools? Follow these account setup instructions before getting started.
