Dance is one of humanity's most universal and accessible forms of expression and community — and one of the most diverse. Community dance encompasses cultural traditions from every corner of the world (Greek, Irish, Pacific, African, Indian, Latin), contemporary styles (hip-hop, contemporary), competitive dance (ballroom, Latin, dancesport), and therapeutic dance for health and wellbeing. Grant funding supports community dance companies, cultural dance groups, dance for health programs, youth dance, and the festivals and events that celebrate dance in Australian communities.
Australian community dance landscape
Dance's community value
Creative Australia (Australia Council)
Dance is a core part of the performing arts funding program.
State arts agencies
Dance companies and programs through state arts bodies.
Local government
Community dance programs and events.
Multicultural affairs departments
Cultural dance through multicultural programs.
The Myer Foundation and Ian Potter Foundation
Professional and community dance.
Community foundations
Local dance programs.
Ethnic community organisations
Cultural dance through community organisations.
Cultural and folk dance
Community dance
Youth dance
Ballroom and dancesport
Dance for health
Professional and semi-professional dance
Dance education
Cultural dance groups are among the most vibrant community organisations in Australia:
- Greek, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, and other communities maintain dance traditions through generations
- Pacific dance groups preserve traditions from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and the Cook Islands
- Irish dance has been reinvigorated through Riverdance and international competition
- Indian classical dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak) is practised across Australian cities
- African dance companies bring West and East African traditions
Cultural dance grants serve double duty: preserving cultural heritage and building community connection. Applications that document both dimensions are more compelling.
Dance for Parkinson's Disease is one of the most evidence-supported community dance programs:
- Regular dance classes improve balance, gait, and quality of life for Parkinson's patients
- Programs exist across Australia through Mark Morris Dance Group's model
- Participants report joy, social connection, and physical improvement
- Applications for Dance for Parkinson's programs access both arts and health funders
Cultural heritage value
Cultural dance grants have two funding streams: arts funding and multicultural/cultural heritage funding. Applications that explicitly connect to cultural heritage preservation access both.
Health outcomes
Dance for health programs have good evidence. Applications for therapeutic dance — Parkinson's, dementia, mental health — can access health funders alongside arts funders.
Youth engagement
Hip-hop and street dance engages youth who don't connect with traditional arts programs. Applications for youth street dance can access youth development funding.
Multicultural festivals
Dance festivals that showcase diverse cultural dance traditions celebrate multiculturalism and can access both arts and multicultural community development funding.
Tahua's grants management platform supports dance funders and community arts organisations — with participant tracking, cultural heritage program data, health outcome measurement, and the reporting tools that help dance funders demonstrate their investment in community dance across Australia.