Common People Dance Eisteddfod
EVENT NOW OVER
It’s the dance battle you’ve been waiting all year for – Common People Dance Eisteddfod is back to kick off Joondalup Festival 2026 with spectacular energy, and our sequined suburban gladiators are ready to bring the heat. Cue the jazz hands!
Four mighty teams from all walks of life will slog it out in community halls across 6 weeks, perfecting their routines, bedazzling their costumes, and preparing for the ultimate showdown. These are your neighbours, your colleagues, your friends, maybe even your family members – everyday people transformed into stars on the big stage, ready to jazz-slide, body-roll and high-kick their way into glory.
Hosted by the irrepressible Lucas Stibbard with judging by fastidious Finn Stibbard, this “friendly” competition features soundtracks packed with your favourite ’80s and ’90s bangers, choreography that’ll make you want to leap out of your seat and join in, and enough glitter to be seen from space. All bets are off because cheating is condoned, sabotage is allowed, and bribing the judges is actively encouraged (by the judges themselves!).
Who will claim the precious trophy and all the glory? The Legwarmers? The Hightop Crew? The Boombox Brigade? Or Perm Power? Only the biggest moves, loudest cheers and most spectacular performances on the night will decide.
This is community arts at its most joyful – where the goal isn’t perfection but connection, laughter, courage, and creating something spectacular together. So warm up those hair rollers, hitch up your legwarmers, polish your dancing shoes, and get ready to cheer until you’re hoarse.
Four teams. One trophy. Unlimited glory. Let the games begin!
Sessions & Times
There are no upcoming events for this program.
Extra things to know
Common People Dance Project specialises in creating joyful, inclusive community dance experiences that bring people together across ages, abilities and backgrounds. Led by director/choreographer Neridah Waters and dance captain/assistant director Rebel Lyons, the project celebrates the sheer fun of moving together, creating performance magic from everyday people who commit to the process.
RNDM Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art theatre at Sacred Heart College, 15 Hocking Parade, Sorrento.
Free parking is available on-site at Sacred Heart College. Public transport users can catch bus route 423 from Warwick or Stirling Station.
The RNDM Performing Arts Centre is a professional theatre with 550 fixed luxury leather seats offering excellent sightlines and comfort. This event features reserved seating.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with disability and wheelchair seating available (must be specified when booking tickets as limited spaces are available). A universal access bathroom is available in the foyer area. The theatre features professional lighting, sound systems and acoustics designed for optimal performance viewing.
The event will be Auslan interpreted. Please contact the Joondalup Festival team on 9400 4000 or at cultural.events@joondalup.wa.gov.au prior to booking so that we can organise for you to sit near the interpreter.
RNDM has a servery with light refreshments available. Come down early to grab a drink or snacks and enjoy the pre-show entertainment.
Four community teams battling it out on the d-floor, performing choreographed routines to ’80s and ’90s hits. Expect laughter, spectacular homemade costumes, genuine talent mixed with endearing enthusiasm, surprising moments, creative sabotage attempts, judge bribes, and above all – the pure joy of watching your community shine on stage. This is not a polished professional dance competition; it’s celebration of community courage, commitment and creativity.
Pick your favourite team on the night based on costumes, energy, or choreography – or come specifically to support a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour dancing in the competition! The audience energy and cheering significantly impacts the atmosphere, so come ready to be loud and supportive.
Optional ’80s/’90s inspired attire encouraged for audience members wanting to join the vibe! Legwarmers, scrunchies, neon colours, high-top sneakers, big hair – all welcomed and celebrated.
Arrive early and soak up the atmosphere! The café will be open, serving up refreshments while DJ ‘Genga’ spins classic 80s bangers. Look out for our roaming roller skaters and stilt-walkers with polaroid cameras ready to capture your moment. Strike a pose at the photo wall, snap a pic with our giant boombox, or just relax on our quirky Rubik’s cube seating!
Families, friend groups, community members, anyone who loves grassroots arts, people seeking joyful inclusive entertainment, supporters of specific dancers, anyone wanting to celebrate the courage it takes to get on stage and perform.
Program details
Sunday, 8 March 2026
Adults: $18.00
Children under 12: $10.00
All ages