DanceRites 2026
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Celebrating First Nations dance groups from across the country
Event details
| Date | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 24 October 2026 | 1:30pm |
Site opens 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 4:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM |
| Sunday, 25 October 2026 | 1:30pm |
Site opens 2:00 PM 2:05 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:10 PM 7:20 PM 7:30 PM |
DanceRites is a free event. No registration is required.
This event is Auslan Interpreted. Experienced Auslan interpreters will translate what the host are saying into Auslan. No booking required. Reserved seating will be available for best view. For more information email accessibility@sydneyoperahouse.com
Telephone
1300 746 849
(Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House
Age
Suitable for all ages.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
National Indigenous Times... a powerful celebration of Indigenous cultures, uniting performers and communities in a shared expression of history, pride, and resilience.
Guest Performers, Hosts and Judges
Jannawi Dance Clan is a highly regarded First Nations intergenerational dance collective, committed to centering Indigenous storytelling, embodied language and cultural identity through dance and performance. Founded in 2008 by Artistic Director Peta Strachan, Jannawi means ‘with me, with you’ in the Dharug language.
Through song, dance, language, storytelling and cultural practice, this group proudly showcases and shares Torres Strait Islander culture within the wider community while, most importantly, strengthening cultural knowledge and identity within our own families.
For 50 years, NAISDA has been a place of inspired creative and cultural learning, supporting generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, choreographers, artists and creative professionals to build careers across the arts.
The Wabanaki Dancers are a dynamic collective of Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaw and Ojibwe artists whose work honours Indigenous dance, music, ceremony, storytelling and regalia.
Taryn Beatty is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural educator, dancer, performer and actor with more than 30 years experience. A graduate of NAISDA Dance College, Taryn is the Artistic Director of InDidgDance - Australian Indigenous Cultural Performers and has delivered cultural programs around the world.
Shannon Williams is an Australian Indigenous Hip Hop pioneer and founding member of South West Syndicate. In 2007 he teamed up with Hilltop Hoods to create a song for a campaign highlighting Indigenous mortality rates. Shannon has hosted Move It Mob Style® and currently hosts Koori Radio’s The Brekky Show.
Toby Cedar is an award-winning Torres Strait Islander artist, cultural educator, performer, and mentor dedicated to sharing and preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Torres Strait. Through Toby Cedar Art, he delivers cultural workshops, artist talks, storytelling sessions, keynote presentations, and mentoring programs that inspire understanding, connection, and wellbeing across schools, communities, corporate organisations, and government agencies.
Marilyn is of Kukuyalanji / Waanyi Heritage who was born in Cairns and spent most of her life and Career in the Arts in Sydney, co-founding Australia’s 1st Contemporary Indigenous Dance Company AIDT-the Company, in the early 90s. She is the Founder of BlakDance Australia Ltd, now in its 10th year, and sits on the BlakDance Cultural Council. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).
Rosealee Pearson-Grimes is a Yolŋu woman from Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. A graduate of NAISDA Dance College, she has built a distinguished multidisciplinary career as a dancer, choreographer, cultural consultant, artistic director, producer, and tour manager. Her background includes national and international experience, touring and working across South Korea, Scotland, France, India and New York.
Beau Dean Riley Smith is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay man from Dubbo, NSW, raised on Yuin Country in Culburra Beach and Nowra and now living on Gadigal Land. An award-winning choreographer, dancer and actor, he was a core member of Bangarra Dance Theatre from 2013 to 2022 under the artistic direction of Stephen Page, appearing in more than twenty-two productions.
Julie Bukari Webb (Jones) is a fresh and saltwater woman of the Dharug speaking peoples. She has strong blood, familial and Lore connections across Dharug Ngurra from the mountains to the sea. She is an dancer, artist, cultural consultant and collaborator working to embed cultural practices and voices. She works with communities across dance, song, language, art and urban design.
Competing Groups
- Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group (VIC: multiple clans, Boonwurrung Country)
- Brolga Dance Academy (NSW: Gomeroi/Gamilaroi & Murrawari)
- Buuja Buuja Burrundi Dancers (NSW: Gadigal & Wiradjuri)
- Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (QLD: Gimuy Walubara Yidinji)
- Dunghutti Figtree Dancers (NSW: Dunghutti)
- Duurunu Miru (NSW: Dhawa country, Yuin Nation)
- Kwopidak Kenning Yok (Beautiful Female Dancers) (WA: Noongar)
- Lagaw Titui (Island Stars) (QLD: Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait - Badu Island, Maluligal Nation, Argun Clan)
- Lirrga (NT: Thamarrurr Daly/Thamarrurr region, Freshwater Clans, Marri Ngarr Language)
- Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers (QLD: Muruwarri)
- Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe (VIC: Kulin Nations)
- Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team (QLD: Saibai Island)
- Sand & Sea Dance Troupe (QLD: Gimuy, from Cairns)
- Shalom First Nations Dancers (QLD: Wanjuru Yidinji)
- Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (QLD: Kalkutungu)
- Sunrise Dancers (QLD: Kabi Kabi)
- Tchanba Wultjirir (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region)
- The Tingkabee Arrernte Dancers (NT: Mpwarnte, from Apmere Mepe, Central Australia)
- Walla Mulana (VIC: Yorta Yorta & NW Nations, Barkindji & Lower Murray River Mob)
- Wangga (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region, Saltwater Clans, Marri Tjevin Language)
Gallery
of
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DanceRites 2024, MINJIL, Photo credit: Joseph Mayers -
DanceRites 2024, Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group, Photo credit: Dan Boud -
DanceRites 2024, Kebi Ngagalyg Kab Le Buway, Photo credit: Daniel Boud -
DanceRites 2024, Babilali Dancers, Photo credit: Daniel Boud -
DanceRites 2024, MINJIL, Photo credit: Joseph Mayers -
DanceRites 2024, Wagana, Photo credit: Joseph Mayers
DanceRites artwork by Dunghutti Biripi artist Wanita Lowe.
We acknowledge and thank the late Rhoda Roberts AO for her visionary leadership in creating DanceRites. Her legacy continues to bring together First Nations communities, celebrating the strength, diversity and continuity of culture through dance, song and storytelling.
The Sydney Opera House thanks its Idealist donors, Event Sponsor Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Event Media Partner NITV for their generous support of DanceRites 2026.
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Attending this event
Practical information about this event, ticketing and visiting. If you have questions or need help, see our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact us.
About the event
Here you’ll find important information about this event including common questions and what to expect on the day.
All patrons and visitors attending Forecourt events at the Opera House must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening as a condition of entry. Ticketholders may be electronically screened by Opera House security staff.
Empty water bottles are allowed (no glass, and no larger than 1 litre) – free water stations are available on the Forecourt. No BYO alcohol, beverages, food or glass.
If you choose to sit on the Monumental Steps, you’re welcome to bring a cushion for comfort, maximum size is 40cm x 40cm and maximum width is 5cm. Cushions should be held when standing or dancing.
The following items are prohibited onsite:
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
- Incendiary devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
- Glass items
- Knives and any sharp items
- Lasers
- Any items that may cause a public nuisance
- Any items that can be used as a weapon
- Any items which look like a weapon, this includes replicas and toys
- Unauthorised advertising material or flyers
- Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Musical instruments which can cause a public nuisance such as vuvuzelas, drums or any amplified music
- Large umbrellas (bigger than 125cm in diameter)
- No prams or strollers are permitted in the event footprint
- Sunshades and tent structures, which are not permitted on site
- Portable seating, including camping or beach chairs
- Any other item that in the opinion of Opera House security could cause harm or public nuisance
Ticketholders and visitors have the option to leave with their prohibited items should they not wish to forfeit them in accordance with the above conditions of entry. All confiscated and prohibited items will be disposed of, and will not be held. Possession of unlawful items will be reported immediately to NSW Police.
Security staff will monitor patrons for RSA and refuse entry to any intoxicated persons in accordance with the Liquor Act 2007.
Unless it is deemed unsafe to do so, all Forecourt performances will proceed rain, hail or shine. There is no shade available in the public viewing area on the forecourt. Visitors are encouraged to check the weather and come prepared. Wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what can and cannot be brought into the event.
Refer to the event information for age restrictions. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times. The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
At the venue
Foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lift access to the main and western foyers.
There is no cloaking facility on the forecourt. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what cannot be brought into the event and leave these items at home.
For the safety of everyone at the event, certain items not permitted. No strollers, chairs, laser pointers, sparklers, professional cameras or recording devices or selfie sticks, sharp knives or objects. No oversized items larger than an A4 piece of paper including extra-large backpacks, briefcases and suitcases. All bags will be checked on entry, your cooperation is appreciated. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what can and cannot be brought into the event.
There are no ATM facilities available on the Forecourt. Please bring a credit or debit card for any purchases to keep transactions quick and queues short.
Yes. The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags on entry. Our walk-through scanners are safe for patrons with pacemakers, cochlear implants or similar devices. Please let security know if you prefer alternative screening.
Please travel lightly and do not bring items that are not permitted as per our conditions of entry.
There is high demand for tickets to the forecourt events and many are expected to sell out. To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online before travelling to the Opera House. A temporary box office on the Eastern Side, near the ticket scanning point, will be open approximately 30 minutes prior to gates opening each day.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy. The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House is a smoke-free site. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy.
The safety and security of patrons, visitors and staff is our highest priority. Entry to venues inside the Opera House including theatres, the Utzon Room, the Centre for Creativity and Bennelong Restaurant is via a single entry point located under the Monumental Steps.
In line with our venue security procedures, all ticketholders must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening prior to entering the building. Our walk-through scanners are safe for patrons with pacemakers, cochlear implants or similar devices. Please let security know if you prefer alternative screening.
We hope all our audience members, including those children with us, have a wonderful time. Please keep disturbances to a minimum. Ticketholders who interfere unreasonably with another’s enjoyment may be asked to leave.
If your child becomes unsettled during the performance, we ask that you step outside with them until they settle. Note that you may not be readmitted until there is a suitable break in the performance.
Filming and photography is not permitted inside the venue, unless expressly authorised by us. You must switch your mobile phone off or to silent while in the venue.
Refreshments are available to purchase from our theatre bars, with foyers open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances.
The Opera House has a range of restaurants and bars on site. Explore our venues.
Yes, pram parking is available outside our theatres. All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers.
Location and access
Forecourt
Set below the famous white sails the Forecourt is located at the base of the Monumental Steps, between the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.