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DANCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Get ready for an exhilarating Festival of dance! A range of key dance events that will keep you moving all weekend are detailed below. 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 all weekend. Read on for some key events not to miss and then have a look at the full program grid by clicking here.

  • 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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  • 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.

  

  • 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. 

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