The three-day event, now in its second year, has attracted about 300 young dancers aged seven to 18 who will learn new moves and techniques from some of the best dancers in the business.

And about 100 of those dancers will go on to compete for a share of more than $10,000 in scholarships and awards during the competition element of the event on Sunday.

But the weekend is not just about dance - it's also about raising awareness and funds for Fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X is the most common known cause of inherited intellectual disability and a single gene cause of autism spectrum disorder causing behavioural, emotional and learning challenges.

Ballarat Dance Awards committee member Nicole Wallace said the event supported Fragile X because a family at the Anita Coutts Dance School, which runs the Ballarat Dance Awards, has a son with Fragile X.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Victoria, NSW fires donate: Here is how you can help

Last year the Ballarat Dance Awards raised $1300 for Fragile X.

Professional dancers conducting the workshops and helping judge the awards include Australian Ballet Company ballet mistress Megan Connelly, Australian Ballet senior artist Jarryd Madden, Australian Ballet School faculty and former principle artist Kirsty Martin, theatre industry professional Euan Doidge and Scimm Dance Company professional Xavier Pellin.

Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.