Australian Dance Week Shines a Spotlight on Dance

Ausdance ACT celebrates and promotes dance in all its forms during Australian Dance Week and is proud to host the largest program in Australia.

Now in its 42nd year, Australian Dance Week is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on our incredible local dance scene, with an extraordinary range of events highlighting the diversity and popularity of dance, both professional and community, in Canberra and surrounds.

Experience a tasting plate of performances, workshops, and activities for all ages with a range of free classes and events.

Highlights include:

International Dance Day (IDD): Official Opening at Canberra Museum & Gallery on 29 April with Welcome to Country from Ngunnawal elder Aunty Serena, and Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne MLA. Featuring Australian Dance Party, ‘Co_Lab: 24’ a movement, sound and visual feast with ADP dancers and guests, music, and visual collaborators, will transport you into the deep listening and abandon of live, improvised performance. A commission for Ausdance ACT’s Australian Dance Week with support from Canberra Theatre Centre’s New Works Program (ticketed season 30 April & 1 May.) Followed by the premiere screening of ‘Hillscape’, short films from Dance.Focus and Dancecology. IDD was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

Other Ausdance presents events:

Ausdance ACT’s annual networking morning tea, 1 May – this year with a focus on Safe Dance ® practice. Jacqueline Dimmock will share practical skills and tips to incorporate Safe Dance® into the studio and teaching space.

Jazida’s Fabulous Dancing Workshop, 4 May – in this beautiful and exciting workshop, participants will explore dancing with silk fan veils. This workshop is free and is open to all.

Local studios, dance artists and arts centres offer free, trial and taster dance classes during Australian Dance Week:

A Night of Afro Dance with Passion & Purpose Academy, 30 April – unlock the vibrant rhythms of Afro Dance! Join Passion & Purpose to explore the dynamic world of Afro House, Afro Fusion, Amapiano, and more. No stress, no fees, just pure dance. It is all about the vibes, music, and community.

Adult Beginner Ballet Class with MAK’s Dance Studios Matthew Shilling, 30 April- Matt brings a wealth of experience from a career spanning over 30 years as a professional dancer, teacher, and director.

The Jam Cabinet presents ‘SHOW US YOUR SAUCE’, 5 May – whether you are a seasoned pro or love to groove, everyone is welcome to battle, jam, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Experience a ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing, Inclusive Dance Fitness or Open Class with the Deaf Butterflies. Travel the world of exotic music and dance with Folk Dance Canberra, take your little one to a Blueberries class – It’s the most fun you can have with a toddler in a jam packed hour, learn how to Kizomba with Kmotion Dance Studio or check out a commercial hip hop class with Fresh Funk Canberra. There really is something for everyone!

This is the time to get out and try a new dance experience, see a show, take a class, and celebrate dance. Canberra let’s DANCE!

Ausdance ACT 2024 Australian Dance Week runs Monday 29 April – Sunday 5 May. View the full Australian Dance Week 2024 program here.

Ausdance ACT Dance Week 2024, Image credit Ausdance ACT