DanceRites 2026 Schedule
DanceRites is back! The only national dance competition celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is bringing a free festival to the Forecourt this weekend.
Whether you drop in to catch the finals or stay for the entire weekend, there’s something for everyone. To find out when your favourite dance groups are taking the sand circle, explore the detailed schedule below.
Sunday’s schedule will be updated following the conclusion of Saturday’s performances, so check back for the latest timings.
1:30 PM
Site opens
2:00 PM
Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country
Calling to Country – Jannawi Dance Clan
Tribute to Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO – Jannawi Dance Clan
2:30 PM
DanceRites Competition Begins – Heats: Cultural Dance & Song Cycle
Section 1 (approximately 2:30-3:20 PM)
- Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers (QLD: Muruwarri)
- Wangga (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region, Saltwater Clans, Marri Tjevin Language)
- Brolga Dance Academy (NSW: Gomeroi/Gamilaroi & Murrawari)
- Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group (VIC: multiple clans, Boonwurrung Country)
- Sand & Sea Dance Troupe (QLD: Gimuy, from Cairns)
Section 2 (approximately 3:50-4:40 PM)
- Dunghutti Figtree Dancers (NSW: Dunghutti)
- Lirrga (NT: Thamarrurr region, Freshwater Clans, Marri Ngarr Language)
- Kwopidak Kenning Yok (Beautiful Female Dancers) (WA: Noongar)
- Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (QLD: Gimuy/Cairns)
- Lagaw Titui (Island Stars) (QLD: Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait, Badu Island, Maluligal Nation, Argun Clan)
5:00 PM
Guest Performance – Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group
5:15 PM
DanceRites Competition Continues – Heats: Cultural Dance & Song Cycle
Section 3 (approximately 5:20-6:00 PM)
- Buuja Buuja Burrundi Dancers (NSW: Gadigal & Wiradjuri)
- The Tingkabee Arrernte Dancers (NT: Mpwarnte, from Apmere Mepe, Central Australia)
- Shalom First Nations Dancers (QLD: Wanjuru Yidinji)
- Walla Mulana (VIC: Yorta Yorta & NW Nations, Barkindji & Lower Murray River Mob)
Section 4 (approximately 6:15-6:55 PM)
- Duurunu Miru (NSW: Dhawa Country, Yuin Nation)
- Tchanba Wultjirir (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region)
- Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (QLD: Kalkutungu)
- Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe (VIC: Kulin Nations)
7:00 PM
International Guest Performance – Wabanaki Dancers
1:30 PM
Site opens
2:00pm
Acknowledgement of Country
2:10pm
DanceRites competition resumes – Wild Card performance
Wild Card Section 1 (14:10 -14:58)
- Shalom First Nations Dancers (QLD: Wanjuru Yidinji)
- The Tingkabee Arrernte Dancers (NT: Mpwarnte, from Apmere Mepe, Central Australia)
- Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe (VIC: Kulin Nations)
- Brolga Dance Academy (NSW: Gomeroi/Gamilaroi & Murrawari)
- Walla Mulana (VIC: Yorta Yorta & NW Nations, Barkindji & Lower Murray River Mob)
- Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (QLD: Kalkutungu)
- Tharnpa Wulthirri (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region)
- Duurunu Miru (NSW: Dhawa Country, Yuin Nation)
20 Minute Interval
Wild Card Section 2 (15:20-16:08)
- Wangga (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region, Saltwater Clans, Marri Tjevin Language)
- Buuja Buuja Burrundi Dancers (NSW: Gadigal & Yiradjuri)
- Lagaw Titui (Island Stars) (QLD: Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait, Badu Island, Maluligal Nation, Argun Clan)
- Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (QLD: Gimuy/Cairns)
- Lirrga (NT: Thamarrurr Daly/Thamarrurr region, Freshwater Clans, Marri Ngarr Language)
- Sand & Sea Dance Troupe (QLD: Gimuy/Cairns)
- Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers (QLD: Muruwarri)
- Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance Group (VIC: Multiple Clans, Boonwurrung Country)
4:50pm
Audience Workshop – NAISDA
5:15pm
DanceRites competition continues – Finals: Cultural Dance & Song Cycle
- Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (QLD: Gimuy/Cairns)
- Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (QLD: Kalkutungu)
- Wangga (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region, Saltwater Clans, Marri Tjevin Language)
- Lagaw Titui (Island Stars) (QLD: Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait, Badu Island, Maluligal Nation, Argun Clan)
- Dunghutti Figtree Dancers (NSW: Dunghutti)
- Tharnpa Wulthirri (NT: Daly/Thamarrurr region)
- Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers (QLD: Muruwarri)
- Lirrga (NT: Thamarrurr Daly/Thamarrurr region, Freshwater Clans, Marri Ngarr Language)
7:10pm
Guest Performance – NAISDA
7:20pm
Guest Performance – Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group
7:30pm
Winners Ceremony