DANCE RITES Online
HEATS 11 - 14 November
FINALS 21 November
A CELEBRATION OF FIRST NATIONS DANCE
Witness the powerful coming together of traditional customs, language and contemporary culture with First Nations dancers from around Australia.
As a result of nationwide measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community, the 2020 festival will be presented as a digital event, broadcast for free on Sydney Opera House’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
A message from Rhoda Roberts AO
Welcome to DANCE RITES 2020 from across Australia as we acknowledge the diverse ancestral lands, waterways and Sky country. Through our ancient ancestral narrative, the Sydney Opera House is dedicated to creating a visibility and First Nations space that fosters a new forward thinking through a 21st century voice that is authentic and true.
This year has seen many challenges but through the changes we have all experienced in our daily lives, many opportunities have arisen. First Nations communities are among the most vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have decided to continue the competition through our digital platforms whilst still ensuring there was a meaningful interaction between the registered groups as well as you, the audience.
I am so proud of all those who have contributed to this new stage of DANCE RITES, continuing the cultural maintenance, that now more than ever is essential for us all to know, as we continue living on and honouring our ancient lands, sea and Sky.
The Heats
DANCE RITES will consist of two heats, before the finals on 21 November.
Heat 1 is the Traditional Dance, revealing continuance of song cycles and language and age-old welcomes.
Heat 2 is the Wildcard Dance and is open to any style, often reflecting our shared histories, with some groups telling old comical stories, and others exploring more recent stories, fusing music and song.
Each heat will be broadcast in two parts, over four nights, 11 - 14 November.
Meet the judges
Major Partner
Event Partner
Thank you to our donors for the commitment and ongoing generosity to DANCE RITES
33 Creative
Ryissa Fogarty
Linda Herd
Jane Kift
James Kirby and Claire Wivell Plater
Leone and Mathew Lorrimer
Jean McPherson
Bronwyn Simons