DANCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Get ready for an exhilarating Festival of dance! Your go-to places for dance observation and participation are the Coorong and Piazza venues, but look out for dance performances on concert stages and popping up across the Festival site. A range of key dance events that kept folks moving all weekend at the 2025 Festival are detailed below.
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Thursday Night Welcome Dance: Kick off the festival with an opening night featuring an array of dance acts, including the Kameruka Bush Orchestra.
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Daily Irish Dance Workshops: Led by Margaret and Bill Winnett for experienced dancers, leading to a Monday performance.
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Autumn Equinox Bridgerton Ball: On Friday night, celebrate under the full moon with a grand ball inspired by English Country Dancing, led by The Bard Band and called by Aimee Brown and Katherine Tammaro with Historic Dance Delights.
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Scottish Cèilidh: Celebrate Friday evening with the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers.
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African Dance Party: Experience a high-energy Friday night party, led by Super Mande Percussion.
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Queer Céilí: Return to this highly popular event where everyone is included on Saturday night with Amaidí and called by Davydd McDonald.
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Trad Rave: A fusion of tradition and electric energy, led by Elias Alexander (USA), for a free-form dance experience Saturday night.
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Swing Into the Night: The ANU School of Music Jazz Orchestra teams up with Savoy Dance Canberra for a thrilling swing dance night. Enjoy live jazz and classic swing steps in a lively social atmosphere.
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Masked Heritage Ball: On Sunday night – dress up and celebrate music and dance from Australia’s colonial heritage, featuring David De Santi and The Good Tunes Band, called by Susie Bolliger.
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Chilean Dance Fiesta: Immerse yourself with food, music, and dance on Sunday night, led by Vanessa Estrada with appearances from Shaking The Tree Choir.
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The Xtreme Stars: An inspiring ensemble of young adults with disabilities, dancing on stage with Kid Hank and his Ockerstra.
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Craig Woodward: Banjo and accordionist Craig will team up with Lance Green and Gabrielle Mackey from the Handing Down and Stepping Up team, presenting a series of lively Cajun dances.
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Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria continue their popular Dance Composition Competition.
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Farewell Contra dance: The National Festival Contra Band, led by the Canberra Contra Club, for a lively farewell to friends old and new.