ORBIT is a new touring initiative designed to launch exceptional independent Australian dance works into the stratosphere.

Led by Dancehouse (VIC), Sydney Dance Company (NSW) and Australian Dance Theatre (SA) 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 festival-style 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 open in early 2026.

Why ORBIT?

ORBIT has been created to fill a crucial gap in the 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 across the nation. 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 national presentation, Dancehouse (VIC), Sydney Dance Company (NSW) and Australian Dance Theatre (SA) have joined forces to champion independent artists and invest in the longevity of independent dance works that deserve national 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.

What do artists receive?

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 at least one 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.

Who is eligible?

ORBIT is open to independent Australian dance artists. 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 a high production needs but you’re proposing 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.