With admission for adults at just $2 per session, the festival's tap dancing adjudicator Sue Beu said it was a marvellous opportunity for the community to enjoy the depth of talent.
She suggested it would be a hugely entertaining outing for residents of Tauranga's many retirement and lifestyle villages.
Mrs Ward agreed that elderly people would love the dazzling talent on display at the festival.
"It is getting the word out there so people know."
She has 12 dancers competing in the festival, with 8-year-old Ally Wells enchanting everyone with her first prize-winning song and dance routine, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" from the musical Annie.
Ally, recently returned from Australia's Gold Coast Showcase performing arts festival, said she really liked going on stage and performing in front of large audiences.
"I don't get nervous."
She has been a pupil of the academy for five years, with her experience showing through in Australia where she managed to get placed in routines despite the huge disadvantage of coming down with a vomiting bug.
Mrs Beu, who lived in Australia for 12 years before settling in Northland, said the Showcase event was an opportunity for the Aussies to see how good the kiwi kids were.
"It's an eye opener."
Ally yesterday won the tap solo for dancers aged 7 and under 9 years, and the tap song and dance for under 9 years.
