Eisteddfod 2025 at NVS
Apr 07, 2025 | by Sam Wilder
The original version of an Eisteddfod dates back to the 12th century. The National Eisteddfod is an annual festival in Wales, initiated in the 19th century, celebrating the arts in all their forms.The idea of an Eisteddfod is to bring artists together to sing, paint, draw, play instruments, write stories, recite poems, and dance the dances of the folk - to gather in community and see who really stands out in their performance. It's a challenge to everyone’s artistic prowess. And at its heart, it holds a beautiful truth: we are all artists. The New Village School Eisteddfod is our way of honoring this tradition. It’s a joyful opportunity for all of our students - from 2nd through 8th grade - to contribute their art, to share their voice, and, yes, to see who shines in the moment.
For the past nine years, the Eisteddfod has offered a platform for our students to perform in front of experienced adjudicators who provide thoughtful, encouraging feedback. With its loving and uplifting spirit, this tradition has become a highlight of our year. You can see in the students’ eyes how meaningful it is - whether they are standing in the spotlight or cheering from the audience. This year, the Eisteddfod will be held for students and adjudicators on May 16th. The performances that truly standout will be invited to perform for the greater community near the end of the school year.
Performance Guidelines
- Each student must perform at least once - either solo or in a small group of up to three members.
- Students may perform a maximum of two times.
- If a class or larger group has prepared something special, it may be included - but each student must also present a solo or small-group piece.
Performance Categories
- Poetry
- Singing
- Musical Instrument
- Dance
Stage Presence Matters
This is more than a performance - it’s a practice in poise. We’ll help our students refine how they enter the stage, introduce themselves, carry themselves, and bow. Every detail is part of the artistry.
Teacher Approval
All performances must be approved by teachers. We ask students to avoid pieces that include teen pop content, inappropriate language, or overly silly material (e.g., parody acts like Weird Al). Unsure if a song is appropriate or not? Please check in with Maestra Lalla for final approval.