New South Wales has a thriving dance culture with competitions and eisteddfods (multi-arts performance festivals) spread throughout the year. From community-focused events to major state championships, there’s something for all ages and styles — ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, contemporary, jazz and more. Below is a curated guide to the biggest and most exciting events happening in 2026 across NSW. For a more comprehensive list, check out the NSW Dance Competitions page.

Expression Dance Eisteddfod – January 17 2026

If you’re kicking off your dance year early, consider this friendly and inclusive eisteddfod run by Expression Dance. It’s one of the first competitions on the calendar and welcomes solos, duos, trios, and improvisation sections across age groups.

📍 Date: Saturday 17 January 2026
📌 Location: (Check registration via the official site)
💃 Details: Solo and group performance entries, age divisions, and a chance to set competition goals early in the year.
👉 Register: via Expression Dance Eisteddfod info on their site. (Expression Dance)

This event is particularly great for dancers looking to build confidence early in the season or for studios preparing routines for later competitions.

GTB Sydney 2 – March 6 – 8 2026

For dancers who enjoy variety and a larger competitive field, GTB SYDNEY 2 offers a weekend packed with performances in Engadine. Soloists and groups can compete in multiple categories including musical theatre, hip hop, tap, acrobatics, and more.

📍 Dates: 6 – 8 March 2026
📌 Location: Engadine Community Centre, NSW
🎟️ Event Info & Entry: GTB SYDNEY 2 2026 details
💫 Highlights: Solo, duo/trio entries, champion dancer sections, and a celebratory awards presentation. (GTB Dance)

GTB events are known for their supportive environment and fun vibe — ideal for dancers of all skill levels.

Platinum Dance Competitions – April – August 2026

The Platinum Dance Competition circuit travels through NSW with multiple events focusing on solos, duos, trios, and troupe performances. These are well-organised competitions that give dancers plenty of opportunities to showcase routines throughout the year.

📍 Dates & Locations:

• 11 – 13 Apr: Salamander Bay
• 17 – 19 Apr: Kiama
• 24 – 31 May: Manly
• 27 – 28 June: Lindfield (Troupes)
• 25 – 26 Jul: North Sydney
• 1 Aug: Greenhalgh Theatre (School to Stage)
• 8 – 9 Aug: Central Coast (Comps-Online easy web registrations)

💻 More Info & Entries: Check the Platinum Dance Competition calendar.

This circuit is ideal for competitive dancers looking to accumulate experience and feedback across multiple events. With troupe days and solo spots, it appeals to studios and independent competitors alike.

Australian Ceroc Dance Championships – June 12 – 14, 2026

While not a traditional eisteddfod, the Australian Ceroc Dance Championships are one of the biggest modern jive competitions in the Southern Hemisphere and are held right in NSW.

📍 Dates: Friday, 12 — Sunday, 14 June 2026
📌 Location: Polish Club Ashfield, Sydney, NSW
🎟️ Event Info: Australian Ceroc Dance Championships
💃 About: Workshops, social dancing, awards and fierce competition from dancers across Australia and New Zealand. (Ceroc and Modern Jive Dance Company)

This event blends competition with community, workshops and parties — perfect for dancers and supporters wanting both performance and social dance experiences.

Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod – May 3 – 9 2026

For more traditional eisteddfod experience combining dance with other performing arts (music and drama), the Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod offers a full week of classes and medals.

📍 Dates: Sunday 3 – Saturday 9 May 2026
📌 Location: Gulgong, NSW
👉 Details: Dance sections include jazz, classical, tap, contemporary, own choreography, and improvisation. (Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod)

This regional eisteddfod is perfect for soloists and groups and often culminates in gala concerts, making it both competitive and celebratory.

Leeton Eisteddfod – August 10 – 27 2026

A highlight in Western NSW, the Leeton Eisteddfod is one of the most established cultural festivals, showcasing talent in music, theatre, and dance. Whether you’re a classical ballet student or a contemporary performer, this event offers a platform to be seen.

📍 Dates: 10 – 27 August 2026
📌 Location: Leeton, NSW
💫 Info: Visit Leeton Eisteddfod details
🎭 What to Expect: Dance alongside dramatic arts and music in a community-centric festival with decades of history. (NSW Government)

Coffs Harbour District Eisteddfod – June 4 – 20 2026

Located on the mid-north coast, Coffs Harbour District Eisteddfod has dedicated dance sections throughout June.

📍 Dates: 4 – 20 June 2026
📍 Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW
📌 More Info: See event overview on StageLark. (Stage Lark)

This event offers a longer competitive window, giving entrants flexibility and a chance to relax into performance mode across multiple weeks.

💬 Tips for Competitors

➡️ Register early: Many competitions use platforms like Comps-Online or the event’s direct site for entries, with early-bird deadlines months before the event date.

➡️ Prepare music and costumes early: Competitions often have strict submission deadlines for music files and online forms.

➡️ Network and enjoy: These events are as much about community as competition — build friendships, take workshops and enjoy the celebration of dance!

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or taking the stage for the first time, NSW’s 2026 dance scene has a rich calendar to explore. Bookmark the events you’re interested in, follow the links to official site and make 2026 your most memorable dance year yet. 💃🕺