Australian Dance Week 2026 celebrates community, legacy, and the transformative power of movement.
Ausdance ACT proudly opens Australian Dance Week 2026 on International Dance Day, launching the country’s most expansive Dance Week program. What began as a small series of lunchtime performances in 1982 has grown into a significant celebration of dance. Executive Director Dr Cathy Adamek says this year’s program reflects the spirit of the region as a meeting place where local stories, national legacies and diverse dance communities come together.
“I love how Australian Dance Week celebrates our member studios and artists while intersecting with national dance stories — truly Kamberri, a meeting place,” Dr Adamek said.
With over 20 invitations to dance across the ACT and region, the 2026 calendar is “chockers” with opportunities for everyone — young and old, mixed ability, professional, pre-professional, and anyone who loves to move or has always wanted to try. The program spans ballet, contemporary, folk, hip hop, dance fitness, inclusive dance, dance for wellbeing, improvisation and more.
For those who prefer to “dance on the inside,” there are performances and screenings that celebrate the artistry and emotional power of movement.
A Week of Community, Connection and Celebration
The official opening takes place on 29 April International Dance Day with a community picnic atop Mount Ainslie, with traditional Welcome and smoking ceremony by Aunty Serena – joined by Ms Caitlin Tough MLA, Member for Brindabella and special guests Liz Lea’s Diamonds of Dance Week. This beloved annual gathering invites dancers, teachers, families, and supporters to celebrate in one of Canberra’s most iconic natural settings. Wear something sparkly.
On 6 May, the popular Networking Morning Tea returns to Gorman Arts Centre, focusing on the studio teacher and education sector. This year’s event features Shannon Kolak from ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability and will explore how to make your dance classes inclusive — a timely conversation as the ACT’s dance community continues to grow.
Featuring Acclaimed Artist Floeur Alder
A major highlight of the 2026 program is the return of acclaimed dancer and educator Floeur Alder. Dr Adamek was inspired to bring Floeur’s story home to ACT audiences.
“After seeing the documentary Pointe Dancing on A Knife’s Edge and meeting Floeur Alder and Director Dawn Jackson, I discovered Floeur’s ACT family dance roots and wanted to share her work more widely here. Her story speaks to the healing power of dance to transcend physical limits.”
Dr Adamek said.
Pointe has garnered festival recognition, including Official Selection laurels from the 2025 CinefestOZ Film Festival and the 2026 Capricorn Film Festival and this year screens in collaboration with the National Film and Sound Archive. Offering a moving portrait of resilience followed by a discussion of dance and healing with a panel of ACT experts.
Floeur’s lineage is deeply woven into Australia’s dance history. Her parents, Lucette Aldous AC and Canberra born and trained, Alan Alder, founded the dance program at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, shaping the national dance landscape for more than forty years.
Floeur continues Lucette’s legacy through Floorebarre, a technique Dr Adamek recalls learning during her own training. This special workshop will be offered at Gorman Arts Centre on 3 May.
“Don’t miss a chance to learn this embodied tradition,” she said.
Floeur will also perform her solo work Djilba: A Moment in Time at Mirramu Creative Arts Centre on the bank of Lake George — an evocative natural setting that mirrors the work’s dance in nature aesthetic.
“Playful and meditative, Floeur Alder’s solo work Djilba: A Moment in Time leaves the viewer immersed in the tranquillity of its bush setting.” — Kim Balfour, Seesaw Arts Magazine WA
A Celebration Built by the Community
Australian Dance Week ACT is a celebration grown by local member artists, schools and studios working alongside Ausdance ACT and the wider community. It is a testament to the region’s extraordinary dance culture and the people who keep it thriving.
Other highlights in date order include:
Behind the Scenes with Quantum Leap – an inside look at Canberra’s own dance company for young people – 29 April, Gorman Arts Centre
Fresh Funk Open Class – a commercial hip hop with a new tutor and routine each week, perfect for sharpening your choreography pick‑up and enjoying the vibe of dance – 29 April, Tuggeranong Arts Centre
DanceFitness with Henry – an inclusive class blending upbeat fitness routines with a freestyle disco finale to build strength, balance, coordination, confidence, and social connection – 29 April & 6 May, Tuggeranong Southern Cross Club
Elevate School Dance Competition – a friendly ACT‑wide high school and college dance competition focused on fun, support, and community, featuring street/hip hop, contemporary/lyrical, jazz, and open styles – 30 April, Erindale Theatre
The Hip Hop Civic Cypher – experience real hip hop in the heart of the city with live music, dance, battles, DJing, graffiti, and a cypher open to all – 2 May, Garema Place
Folk Dance Canberra World Dance Display – showcasing dances from around the world and an opportunity for you to jump in and try a few yourself – 2 May, Little Burley Market
View the full Australian Dance Week calendar of events here AUSTRALIAN DANCE WEEK | Ausdance ACT
Image credit: Bobby Pang
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