Calling all regional NSW dancers, artists, producers, presenters and arts workers!

Join us for DANCE DIALOGUES: Outside the City, Beyond the Limits, a one-day gathering exploring the future of dance across Regional New South Wales. Presented as part of IMPACT Festival 2026, DANCE DIALOGUES brings the regional dance sector together at Warners Bay Theatre (baramayiba) for a day of big conversations, practical ideas and new connections. Whether you’re an independent artist, part of an organisation, or just starting your career, this is your chance to be part of the discussion.

The day opens with a performance by Zachary O’Donnell and a Welcome to Country from Kumarah Kelly of the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, before a powerful opening conversation on ‘First Nations Cultural Leadership, Relationship and Regional Practice‘, curated by NAISDA Dance College and moderated by Katina Olsen.

Artist Spotlights throughout the day will celebrate the incredible work being created across Regional NSW, giving artists and organisations the chance to share their practice, ideas and stories.

We’ll also hear from leaders shaping arts policy in ‘Regional Arts Policy and Future Directions‘, moderated by Sandi Woo, with Portia Lindsay and Micheal Huxley (Create NSW), Tracey Callinan OAM (Regional Arts NSW) and Sarah Greentree (Creative Australia) discussing the opportunities, challenges and priorities for regional dance.

In the afternoon, the conversation shifts to you. Two roundtable sessions invite everyone to share ideas, ask questions and tackle the issues that matter most to regional artists.

‘Value & Visibility‘ is co-facilitated by Kristina Chan (Welcome Space), Philip Channells (Dance Integrated Australia), Gabrielle Rose (Fling Physical Theatre) and Geraldine H. Balcazar Cabrera (Independent Artist). The discussion will explore how regional dance can build greater recognition, strengthen connections and celebrate the work happening across our communities.

‘Touring & Producing‘ brings together Craig Bary (The Art House Wyong), Dr Kate Smith (Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre), Adam Deusien (Lingua Franca) and Neville Williams Boney (Independent Producer) to share practical insights into creating, presenting and touring dance across regional Australia.

These roundtables are your chance to contribute to the conversation, exchange ideas with your peers and help shape the future of regional dance in NSW.

After the sessions wrap up, join us for an informal networking event at Warners Bay Hotel before heading back to the theatre for Triple Bill by Catapult Dance Company, featuring works by Jack Ziesing, Tara Jade Samaya and James Batchelor.

DANCE DIALOGUES is about more than talking. It’s about listening to each other, sharing what’s working, being honest about what’s not, and building a stronger voice for regional dance across New South Wales.

If you’re making dance outside the city, we want you in the room.

Event Details

Friday 28 August 2026
9:00am – 5:00pm
Warners Bay Theatre (baramayiba), Warners Bay NSW 2282

Networking Event
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Warners Bay Hotel

DANCE DIALOGUES: Outside the City, Beyond the Limits is proudly supported by Creative Australia, Create NSW, Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, Dance Integrated Australia, NAISDA and Fling Physical Theatre.

Main photo credit: Pippa Samaya. Dancer: Paige Carr. Work: The Wild Ones by Sara Black (Triple Bill 2025).