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
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
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)
1:30 PM
Site opens
2:00pm
Acknowledgement of Country
2:05pm
DanceRites competition resumes – Wild Card performance
5:15pm
Audience Workshop – NAISDA
5:30pm
DanceRites competition continues – Finals: Cultural Dance & Song Cycle
7:10pm
Guest Performance – NAISDA
7:20pm
Guest Performance – Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group
7:30pm
Winners Ceremony