What’s happening?
Dancenorth has announced details of its 2026 Secondment Program, a free five day immersive experience for emerging dance artists.
The program will run from 22 to 26 June 2026 in North Queensland.
Up to 25 young and emerging dance artists from Australia and New Zealand will take part.
The week will be led by Co Artistic Director Amber Haines and the Dancenorth Ensemble.
Applications open on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 and close at midnight on Monda,y 6 April 2026.
Why it matters
The Secondment Program invests directly in the next generation of dance artists.
It gives emerging performers access to professional training, creative development and company repertoire without financial barriers.
Dancenorth has committed to offering all Secondment opportunities free of charge. The purpose is clear, to ensure equity of access to high level professional development.
The company describes it as its gift to the dance community.
By the numbers
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Up to 25 young and emerging dance artists from Australia and New Zealand will be selected for the 2026 intake, creating an intimate but diverse cohort.
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Five full days of immersion from 22 to 26 June 2026 will include morning skills training, workshops and repertoire exploration.
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Two key application dates shape the process, opening on 10 March 2026 and closing at midnight on 6 April 2026.
Zoom in
Participants will engage in elongated morning classes and skills training.
They will explore various movement methodologies through creative workshops and task processes.
Environmental responsive sessions form part of the experience, connecting artists to the North Queensland landscape.
Dancers will also interrogate Dancenorth repertoire and learn directly from company artists.
Past participants describe the impact in personal terms.
“Thank you for cultivating such an inspiring, warm, and supportive environment for us all to grow as emerging movement artists, but more than that, opening our eyes as human beings. The Dancenorth Secondment week will forever be in my heart, and it has imprinted such a strong sense of what it means to be doing something truly in alignment.” 2022 Secondment Week Dancer
“It was a beautiful and truly inspiring experience. I have learnt so much from all artists and staff at Dancenorth, I have learnt to connect with our beautiful land, its people, the community and art. It was all very raw, authentic, true, and fulfilling.” 2022 Secondment Week Dancer
“I truly loved every moment of my time with Dancenorth, it was an incredibly beautiful experience that prioritised authenticity, connection and learning. I loved the opportunity to take classes with the company artists and learn firsthand from their experiences and abundance of knowledge. I also enjoyed learning the company’s repertoire and experiencing the diversity of their movement. The environment created during this week was inclusive, calm, enriching and supportive.” 2022 Secondment Week Dancer
“Being invited into a caring and sharing environment was one of the highlights for me during my secondment week. I felt no sense of hierarchy in the room, or in the building at all which made me feel at ease and able to soak up the experience in a really fruitful way.” 2022 Secondment Week Dancer
Zoom out
Across Australia and New Zealand, access to professional development can be limited by cost and location.
By removing participation fees, Dancenorth positions the Secondment Program as a model for equitable arts training.
It also strengthens connections between regional arts organisations and emerging artists from across the two countries.
What to look for next
Applications open on 10 March 2026.
Emerging dance artists will have until midnight on 6 April 2026 to apply.
Selected participants will be announced ahead of the immersive week in June 2026.
