Everything you need to know about Australian Dance Week 2026
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Your ultimate guide to a week of movement, creativity and community.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toe into dance, or you’re already a seasoned performer, this is your sign.
Australian Dance Week is back for 2026, bringing a city-wide celebration of movement to Canberra with performances, workshops and events designed to get everyone involved (yes, even the “I have two left feet” crowd).
Here’s what you need to know.
What is it?
Credit: Martin Ollman
Running since 1982, Australian Dance Week is a national celebration of dance, and in Canberra, it’s bigger than anywhere else in the country. Led by Ausdance ACT and Executive Director Dr Cathy Adamek, the weeklong program champions the incredible diversity and skill of the local dance scene. From professional companies to community groups and studio dancers, the event showcases just how diverse and dynamic dance in the ACT really is.
At its heart, Australian Dance Week is about connection. Bringing together artists, educators, performers and audiences through accessible, engaging and inspiring programs across all styles and genres.
This year’s program reflects Canberra as a meeting place, where local stories, national influences and a wide range of dance communities intersect. It’s a celebration built by the local artists, schools, studios and wider community who keep Canberra’s dance culture thriving.
When and where is it?
This year’s Australian Dance Week will take place from Wednesday 29 April to Wednesday 6 May, with over 20 performances, events and workshops to choose from across the ACT and region.
What’s happening?
Credit: Dance Central
Think of this year’s program as a ‘tasting plate’ of dance, whether you’re keen to watch, learn or get involved. Across the week, you’ll find everything from free and low-cost classes to major performances, making it easy to jump in and get involved at any level.
The festivities kick off with an opening picnic atop Mount Ainslie on Wednesday 29 April, followed by a sector-focussed morning tea on Wednesday 6 May exploring inclusive teacher practices.
A standout highlight is the return of acclaimed dancer Floeur Alder, whose powerful story of resilience and healing through dance takes centre stage. Her documentary Pointe: Dancing on a Knife’s Edge will screen in partnership with the National Film and Sound Archive, followed by a panel discussion on dance and wellbeing. You can also experience her work first hand at a special Floorebarre workshop at Gorman Arts Centre or catch her solo performance Djilba: A Moment in Time at Mirramu Creative Arts Centre.
Beyond this, the week-long program is packed with local favourites, from behind the scenes across to dance company Quantum Leap, to hip hop cyphers in the city, school dance competitions, world dance showcases and high energy dance fitness classes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just watching from the sidelines or jumping into a class; there is something happening every day and something for everyone.
What else do I need to know?
Credit: OJ Wikner Photography
Make sure to check out the full program to see what’s on – spanning eight days, there’s plenty to see. Designed for all ages and all abilities, from ballet to folk, hip-hop to improvised, there’s sure to be something to inspire you.
Grab those dancing shoes!
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Ausdance ACT 2026 Australian Dance Week
When: Wednesday 29 April to Wednesday 6 May
Where: Various locations across the ACT
Web: ausdanceact.org.au/australian-dance-week
Feature image: Billy-Dunham
