Organisers were elated with the record entries and the high quality standard of the dancers.

For Orange dancers Sophie Mackay and Lucy Cooper this was another step forward in their ballet careers.

"I have been dancing since I was four. I am 15 now and I have enjoyed this eisteddfod because of the really good competition,'' said Lucy Cooper from Orange High School and the Colour City Dance group.

Lucy's good friend Sophie Mackay, who is being educated at Kinross Wolaroi in Orange, said the ballet competition was hot but she was pleased with her performances.

"I am not sure where being a ballet dancer will lead me in my life but I enjoy the friendship and rivarly,'' she said.

The Vocal and Instrumental Section of the eisteddfod begins on Tuesday at 10am.

Preschool Day Care Choirs from Nanima, Wellington Family Day Care and Wellington Community Children's Centre will open the competition. Events will be held over three days before Sunday's glittering Grand Concert at the Civic Centre.