A final bow for the Surrey Festival of Dance
Published 11:15 am Sunday, August 2, 2026
For 60 years, the Surrey Festival of Dance has given dancers a place to perform, compete, build friendships and for many, fall in love with the art form that is dance.
Now, six decades after its opening, the curtain is coming down.
The festival’s board of directors announced July 22 that the society will be dissolved, bringing an end to the many years of performances and memories created and shared on its stage.
“It is with both sadness and immense gratitude that we announced the conclusion of the Surrey Festival of Dance,” the board said in a statement shared to social media.
The board shares that this decision was made after careful consideration as the festival has faced changing circumstances, increasing operating costs and the ongoing challenge in maintaining the volunteer base needed to keep the event running.
“For six decades, our stage has been home to thousands of dancers who have shared their talent, passions, friendships, and unforgettable memories,” the board said. “We are honoured to have been part of so many dance journeys.”
The statement also mentions that for the festival’s final chapter they will include one last investment in the young dancers who have carried this legacy forward.
This month, the board will award its “Future Achievement Scholarships” to deserving dancers.
These scholarships are intended to represent the festival’s final investment in young performers who embody the dedication, talent and love of dance that have defined the Surrey Festival of Dance for years.
The board also offered its thanks and gratitude toward everyone who helped make the festival possible over the decades — from dancers, teachers and studio owners to volunteers, dance parents and grandparents, adjudicators, sponsors, donors and all the supporters.
“You are the reasons the Surrey Festival of Dance became such a special tradition,” the board said. “Thank you for making our Dance Festival part of your lives and for helping create a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
While the competition itself is ending, the board explained that the legacy of the festival will continue in the hearts and memories of the people who were part of it.
To celebrate that legacy, the festival is planning one final farewell gathering for the coming months.
Details about this celebration will be announced at a later date.
The statement by the Surrey Festival of Dance concluded with a final quote saying “The dance is over, the applause has subsided, but the joy and dedication remain forever in our souls.”
Learn more about the Surrey Festival of Dance at surreyfestival.com.