Australia’s renowned celebration of Indigenous dance, music, and culture, DanceRites, is back for its eighth year, with registrations now open to the public. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and live-streamed online, this national dance competition invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to showcase their rich heritage and talents. Australia’s Premier Indigenous Dance Competition, DanceRites, Returns in 2024
Scheduled for October 19-20, the competition unfolds over two days, featuring heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday. Participating groups will present Cultural Dance and Song Cycles, reflecting their local storytelling and language. Additionally, groups have the opportunity to perform an optional ‘Wild Card’ dance, showcasing their unique style and creativity.
A panel of esteemed First Nations dance experts will judge the entries, evaluating song, skin markings, engagement with language and culture, and technical dance skills. Prizes will be awarded for the overall winner, one runner-up group, and the best ‘Wild Card’ dance. Two Rites of Passage awards will also recognize outstanding contributions to revitalizing cultural knowledge and practices.
Michael Hutchings, Sydney Opera House Head of First Nations Programming, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “At its core, DanceRites is an opportunity for our communities to come together in a joyful display of our unique and diverse cultures, and to showcase the incredible skill of the dancers who compete.”
DanceRites continues the tradition of cultural exchange on Bennelong Point, known to its custodians as Tubowgule. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has welcomed over 1,600 performers from 100 dance groups, safeguarding cultural practices and promoting cultural exchange at a community level.
New South Wales Minister for the Arts, John Graham, encouraged participation, saying, “The competition brings together First Nations performers in a weekend-long Forecourt celebration, and I encourage everyone to get out and see this incredible arts and cultural event in the heart of the city.”
With registrations open until May 22, 2024, DanceRites invites Indigenous dance groups to join this vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and artistic expression. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Australia’s premier Indigenous dance competition.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home. We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news. If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us! Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger
Chief Executive Officer
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Source: https://nit.com.au/11-04-2024/10755/dancerites-opens-registrations-for-2024
