We Dance Festival: Unleashing the Rhythm of the Northern Rivers
A Celebration of Movement, Joy and Community in Every Step
The We Dance Festival, a vibrant new event in the Northern Rivers, was inspired by a deep passion for dance and the desire to showcase the region's diverse dance talents. Christina Covington, the visionary behind the festival and co-director, has long dreamed of creating a space where different dance styles could come together, fostering joy, health and community. In collaboration with the local dance collective For the Locals, the inaugural We Dance Festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of movement.
What inspired the creation of the We Dance Festival, and how did the idea come to fruition?
My passion for dance has been part of my soul and my joy forever. When I started to learn partner dancing, I was inspired by the possibilities of blending and crossing the genres of free, formless dance with more structured forms. I also know how healthy dance and movement are for people’s bodies and minds. I wanted to highlight how lucky the Byron Shire is to have so many great dancers and dance teachers. Dance is a part of the heart of this region. We have music festivals but did not have one devoted to all the styles of dancing. I have been dreaming of this festival for a few years, but it wasn't until the right team, who understood that dream, came together that the idea was able to be fruited. In collaboration with local dance collective For the Locals, aka Aaron, Lily and Richie, we have launched We Dance Festival.
Can you tell us more about the variety of dance genres that will be showcased and what attendees can expect from the workshops?
This is the inaugural year of We Dance Festival, and the dance presenters are 90% local dance teachers and performers from the Northern Rivers. It has been truly amazing to find the high calibre of dancers from around the world we have in this region, and it is an honour to highlight their talents. Attendees are in for a treat for their dancing feet. We have 20 different genres of dance, with performances and workshops, from Swing to Salsa, Tap to Tango and Twerking, Contact Improv and contemporary to Krumping, Disco, Hip Hop and Street dance, Bellydance, African and more. Each workshop is geared to all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced dancers. There will be great samples for all. Dance allows people of all backgrounds to meet and connect.
How has the local dance community responded to the festival, and what kind of participation are you anticipating?
The energy and excitement about this new festival has been fantastic. The frequent response is, 'Why hasn't this happened before?' I'm hoping people from different dance backgrounds come to sample the many styles that they have not tried. And that people curious about movement in general come to discover dance.
What do you hope attendees will take away from their experience at the We Dance Festival?
I know they will take away joy in their hearts and bodies for dance, and their bodies will have found new pathways to move. I hope all people who come will find a new genre of dance that they can explore further with the local classes in the region, and that partner dancers and dancers who like more individual styles will be inspired by each other's dances.
Are there any particular performances or workshops that you are especially excited about or that you would recommend as must-see highlights?
I'm excited about it all. Our Friday night immersive showcase at Otherworld will be unique, with dancers framed by the immersive light shows and highlighting their styles. It will be like an art installation for dancers and dance styles. We plan to have short performances of all 20 styles on the night. This will help people decide which dance genre and which workshop they wish to attend. On Saturday evening there will be a dance Carnavale, with two bands and three DJs across two venues, with presenters and participants enjoying the best of all the styles. Presenters such as Richie Miller, who has danced Tap for Tap Dogs around the world for 10 years, showing us his unique blended Tap style or Salsa with Kaaren Schimana who has recently returned again from being immersed in Cuba and its dance culture.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit We Dance Festival.
Join us and let the rhythm of the We Dance Festival move you!
Tickets and Event Information
Tickets are on sale now! Full festival passes are available for $185. Separate night tickets and all-day workshop tickets are also on offer, along with a youth pass.
Festival Opening Night: Friday 6 September, 6pm
Workshops: All day Saturday
Immersive Classes: Two-hour sessions in popular styles on Sunday
For tickets, visit We Dance Festival Tickets.
For more information, visit We Dance Festival.