A new program designed to launch exceptional independent dance works into the stratosphere.
ORBIT is a new touring initiative designed to launch exceptional independent Australian dance works into the stratosphere.
Led by Australian Dance Theatre (SA), Dancehouse (VIC) and Sydney Dance Company (NSW) and supported by Creative Australia, ORBIT will take pre-existing dance works from each state and take them on tour, with fully supported seasons in-late 2026.
Featuring two multi-state tours of four curated works, ORBIT offers audiences an exhilarating night of contemporary dance while propelling standout creations to new cities, stages, and audiences.
ORBIT is for works that still have something to say. Whether it’s a breakthrough piece that shone too briefly or a signature work ready for rediscovery, ORBIT slingshots these works across the country, giving artists a platform to reach new heights.
Applications are now open. Click here or hit the button below to learn more via Sydney Dance Company's website.
Learn moreWe're thrilled to be running ORBIT with our peers at Dancehouse and Sydney Dance Company. EOIs are now open for the program. See below for a full timeline of relevant dates and information for potential applicants.
Please note, all links will take you to the Sydney Dance Company website, who will be accepting applications on behalf of the ORBIT partner companies.
Key Dates:
EOIs Open: 2 February 2026
Applicant information sessions: Wednesday 4 March and Wednesday 18 March
EOIs Close: 24 March 2026
Panel Decisions: Late April 2026
Artist Notification & Contracting: Mid to late May 2026
Remount & Tour dates: 19 October – 22 November 2026
FAQs
A full suite of ORBIT FAQs is accessible via the Sydney Dance Company website. Click here to access.
Artist information sessions:
Throughout the application process, we'll be running information sessions for potential applicants to answer questions about ORBIT and shed light on the genesis of the program.
Application Info Session 1:
Wednesday 4 March 2026
2pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS)
1:30pm ACDT / ACST(NT, SA)
12pm AWST (WA)
Application Info Session 2:
Wednesday 18 March 2026
2pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS)
1:30pm ACDT / ACST(NT, SA)
12pm AWST (WA)
Click here to register for information sessions
How do I lodge my application?
Applications can be lodged via dedicated portal hosted by Sydney Dance Company, one of the ORBIT project partners. Click here to access the portal and lodge your application.
ORBIT has been created to fill a crucial gap in the Australian dance ecosystem.
Independent dance artists work at the coal face of choreographic innovation and experimentation. Too often, extraordinary independent dance works premiere and then, through a lack of appropriate infrastructure, live only in memory. Artists miss out on the opportunity to develop these works to their fullest potential, and build audiences. Audiences miss out on experiencing work from those at the forefront of the artform.
United by a shared mission to amplify exceptional independent choreography through strategic remounting and presentation, Australian Dance Theatre (SA), Dancehouse (VIC) and Sydney Dance Company (NSW)have joined forces to champion independent artists and invest in the longevity of independent dance works that deserve more attention.
Supported by Creative Australia, this new program is an investment in the dance ecosystem, acknowledging that a thriving independent sector makes all of us stronger.
ORBIT offers pre-existing dance works with a fully supported remount and presentation opportunity.
One work will be selected from each state (NSW/VIC/SA) and one will work will be First Nations led. The artists involved will receive a fully supported remount and presentation period, with all associated costs with touring covered by the program.
Works will also receive producing, marketing and production support throughout the program from each company. Selected ORBIT artists will be given everything they need to focus on the art.
ORBIT is open to independent Australian dance artists and/or collectives.
Geographic Eligibility:
At a minimum, one work will be selected with lead creatives of each host state (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales) and one selected work will be First Nations led. Noting that many First Nations artists create work on Country / outside of city centres, we are pleased to welcome applications from First Nations artists that are based anywhere in Australia.
Works led by non-First Nations artists living outside of the host states please contact the ORBIT producer to seek advice prior to submitting your EOI.
**Creative Eligibility: **
Eligible works must have been presented previously and be able to be remounted and toured with a maximum of five artists.
Works need to be of outstanding quality and must be adaptable to a variety of black box venues with minimal touring and production needs. If your proposed work has high production needs but you’re proposing to reimagine the work for the ORBIT program, please outline this in your application.
Emerging, mid-career and established artists and collectives are all welcome to apply for ORBIT.
Dance is a vital artform that transcends language and culture. We encourage applications from First Nations, CaLD, Deaf or Disabled and LGBTQIA+ artists.
ORBIT has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and delivered in partnership by Australian Dance Theatre, Dancehouse and Sydney Dance Company.
