Byron Theatre’s 2026 Dance Season Brings Contemporary, First Nations and Classical Works to the Northern Rivers
We’re often told to dance like no one’s watching. In 2026, Byron Theatre flips the script - inviting audiences to turn up, take a seat and support Australian dance artists by watching them in the act…or better yet, joining in. As a premier performing arts venue in the Northern Rivers, Byron Theatre’s circular space is uniquely suited to dance, creating an intimate, immersive experience between performers and audiences. This is why Byron Theatre is delighted to present a bold and celebratory year of movement through our 2026 Dance Program.
Bringing together nationally acclaimed artists from Byron Bay, the Tweed, Brisbane and Melbourne, Byron Theatre’s 2026 Dance Program spans contemporary dance-theatre, First Nations ceremony, social dance and family-friendly classical ballet. The season features Harmony Amidst Destruction, the Byron Bay Tango Festival, Karul’s Kuramanunya and concludes with the Victorian State Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast. Across the program, audiences are invited into participatory experiences alongside works that reward stillness and close attention, offering something for every generation.
The season opens with Harmony Amidst Destruction, a contemporary dance-theatre work created in response to the Beirut Port explosion. Performed by Middle Eastern artists Roj and Ralph Kabalan, the work blends breaking, live music and physical storytelling to explore grief, resilience and the need to keep moving after loss, accompanied by a post-show panel and an accessible community dance workshop open to all ages and experience levels.
In March, the Byron Bay Tango Festival brings Argentine tango to the region, led by Buenos Aires–born maestros Andres Molina and Natacha Lockwood. Immersive workshops, nightly milongas and a public Astor Piazzolla concert by the Mendoza Tango Quartet invite both dancers and audiences to connect through movement and music.
In May, First Nations performing arts company Karul presents Kuramanunya, an acclaimed solo work created and performed by Minjungbal, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu artist Thomas E.S. Kelly. Through movement, spoken word and sound, the work honours First Nations ancestors whose stories were cut short, offering a precise and quietly powerful act of remembrance.
In September, Byron Theatre welcomes the Victorian State Ballet with Beauty and the Beast, a stunning full-length classical ballet retelling of one of the world’s most loved fairy tales. Featuring leading classical ballet artists from across Australia and abroad, the production combines exquisite choreography, beautiful costumes and elegant staging, culminating in a joyful and visually spectacular happily-ever-after for audiences of all ages.
Bianca Sirianni, Creative Producer, Byron Theatre Company says:
“Byron Theatre has always been a place for movement and this 2026 Dance Program celebrates that legacy, inviting audiences not just to watch dance, but to feel it, share it and be part of it.”
Tickets on sale now. For full event details and bookings, visit byrontheatre.com.
Harmony Amidst Destruction (Performance) - 27 February 2026 - Tickets
Harmony Amidst Destruction (Workshop) - 28 February 2026 - Tickets
Byron Bay Tango Festival - 6-8 March 2026 - Tickets
Kuramanunya presented by Karul Projects - 1-2 May 2026 - Tickets
Beauty and the Beast presented by the Victorian State Ballet - 11-13 September 2026 - Tickets
