Registrations have opened for DanceRites 2026 – the ninth iteration of the national competition celebrating First Nations dance, music and culture.
Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, dance groups will represent their country and community on the sand circle stage on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.
DanceRites has welcomed more than 1800 performers to the Opera House since the inaugural festival in 2015, offering a high-energy showcase of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Formed to safeguard First Nations cultural practices – including language, dance, song and skin markings – the biennial event was most recently held in 2024 and featured dancers from 18 groups representing more than 40 nations and clans. Free for spectators, the 2024 competition drew record crowds, with thousands more tuning in online for the livestream.
“Anticipation is high for the return of DanceRites in 2026, and we’re eagerly awaiting what this year’s competition will bring,” said Sydney Opera House Head of First Nations Programming, Michael Hutchings.
“The sand circle on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt is a stage like no other, where we witness both deep tradition and cultural innovation from dance groups that hail from all corners of this beautiful land. We couldn’t be more excited to gather once again on Tubowgule for this spectacular celebration of culture and community.”
Beginning on Saturday 24 October, all dance groups will perform in heats for the Cultural Dance and Song Cycle, representing their local storytelling and language. Eight finalists from this category will progress to the finals on Sunday 25 October, alongside all performances for the optional Wild Card category, where groups showcase their distinct style.
Dance groups will be judged on their engagement with language and culture – including song, skin markings and technical dance skills – by a panel of First Nations dance experts. Prizes will be awarded for the overall winner, one runner-up group and a separate prize for the best Wild Card dance.
Two Rites of Passage awards will also acknowledge outstanding contributions to revitalising cultural knowledge and practices. The winners will receive cash prizes from a total prize pool of $50,000.
“This incredible event is a celebration of our culture, heritage and connection to Country,” said Seba Bourne, spokesperson for the 2024 overall winners, Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group.
“To all the groups participating, it’s an honour to stand alongside you and represent our communities on such a significant stage. This is more than a competition – it’s an opportunity to come together, celebrate our traditions and create lasting memories.”
DanceRites continues the enduring traditions on Tubowgule, also known as Bennelong Point. Upholding the site as a meeting place for storytelling, ritual celebration and dance, DanceRites aims to promote cultural knowledge and exchange at a community level, providing a space to gather and share First Nations practices with audiences around the world.
DanceRites 2026 will take place on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026. Registrations are now open and close Wednesday 22 April 2026. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: DanceRites 2024 overall winners Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group competing on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt – photo by Daniel Boud