We Dance Festival brings dance celebration to Byron Bay

THE We Dance Festival 2024 is set to bring a vibrant celebration of dance, movement, and community to Byron Bay this September.

The three-day festival aims to showcase the diverse world of dance, offering performances, workshops, and dance celebrations for all skill levels.

Founder and festival organiser Christina Covington worked with community dance collective ‘For the Locals’ to create the festival.

“We Dance is designed for people with different dance backgrounds to sample new styles and for those new to dance to be curious to the many genres of dance and find a style that moves them” Covington said.

Attendees can experience various dance styles, including Swing, Salsa, Contemporary, Hip Hop, African Dance, Belly Dance, Tango and the art of connection for partner dancing.

The festival will feature performances and workshops led by professional dancers.

For the Locals member Richie Miller, a principal dancer with Tap Dogs, will introduce attendees to contemporary tap dance styles like hoofing and stomping.

“For me, dance is like being an instrument, like a drum kit,” Miller said.

Events will take place at the Byron Community Centre and Otherworld, blending indoor and outdoor venues that highlight the beauty of Byron Bay.

On Friday 6 September, the festival opens with evening dances framed by light sculptures at Otherworld, offering short performances of all 20 styles to help attendees choose which to try during the weekend workshops.

Roaming, interactive flash dances will also get the audience dancing.

“Dance is a great way for people and cultures to connect without words,” said Covington.

“Dance gives your body new pathways to move along that are also great for mental health. Dance frees the soul.”

Saturday night will feature DJs, a percussion ensemble, and a world music band, creating a vibrant carnival and cabaret of dance across the two venues.

A beginner’s hub will introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the joy of dance and movement to music.

Dance styles taught all day Saturday and Sunday include Tango, Swing, Salsa, Zouk, Bachata, Contact Improvisation, Conscious Dancing, First Nations Dance, Belly Dancing, Contemporary, Jazz, African, Disco, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Hula Krumping, Twerking, Hoop dance, and Tap.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the We Dance Festival website.

The We Dance Festival will be held on September 6-8.