COMMON PEOPLE DANCE EISTEDDFOD IS BACK – AND WE WANT YOU ON STAGE!
THE D-FLOOR IS CALLING YOUR NAME
Ready to unleash your inner dancing queen? Dust off the sequins, stretch out those jazz hands, and prepare for the most joyful community dance battle in the northern suburbs – because Common People Dance Eisteddfod is back to kick off Joondalup Festival 2026, and this year’s showdown might just be the most gloriously unhinged one yet.
On March 8, four mighty suburban super-teams will strut, slide, shimmy and body-roll their way onto the RNDM Performing Arts Centre stage… and trust us, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the glitter tornado of it all.
But before the big day? We need dancers.
Yes, you.
Registrations close February 1, and if you’ve ever dreamt of performing to an ‘80s or ‘90s banger in front of hundreds of cheering fans, your moment has arrived.
What even is Common People Dance Eisteddfod?
Think community theatre meets dance comp meets talent show meets complete, joyful chaos – and you’re almost getting there. Over eight weeks, everyday legends of all ages, abilities and dance experience come together to learn choreography, build costumes, bond with teammates and prepare for the ultimate showdown.
Cheating is allowed. Sabotage is encouraged. Bribing the judges? Oh, absolutely.
It’s chaotic good energy, distilled.
Creator of the Common People Dance Eisteddfod, choreographer, performer and theatre maker, Neridah Waters said:
“32 years ago, I auditioned for my school Rock Eisteddfod and got rejected. Until this day I’ve carried the bitterness in my polyester puffed sleeves. So, I decided to start my own Rock Eisteddfod, but for people of all ages and all abilities.”
“It’s going to be awesome fun, you’ll learn some cool dance routines, it’s going to be funny, there’ll be dress ups and a spectacular performance as part of the Joondalup Festival. I’m so excited to dance with you all. 5,6,7,8!.”
Why you should sign up (even if you have two left feet)
This is not a dance audition. This is a community uprising – in legwarmers. You’ll get:
- Eight fun rehearsals at local halls
- A team tee
- A full dress rehearsal on the actual stage
- Professional choreo that makes everyone look fabulous
- New mates
- New confidence
- A story you’ll be telling forever (“Oh yeah, that time I performed in a glitter-fuelled suburban dance battle? No biggie.”)
Marie Paragalli, a 2025 Common People Dance Eisteddfod participant who danced alongside her son Isaac, said:
“The Common People Dance Eisteddfod was an empowering and unforgettable experience. It allowed me to connect with others in the community in a fun, encouraging and supportive way. I would thoroughly recommend this opportunity to everyone regardless of age, gender or fitness level. It was amazing how a group of strangers created something truly fabulous in a short time. This is the power of dance and community.”
In a self-proclaimed sea of high-energy women with big hair and even bigger moves, Noel Phillips, who competed in last year’s Perm Power team, adds:
“I encourage anyone who thinks it’s ‘not for me’ to drop your fears and pride – and show attitude, confidence and enjoy the experience and electricity that comes from movement.”
Meet the Teams
Will you join:
- The Legwarmers – neon royalty;
- The Hightop Crew – sneaker supremacy;
- The Boombox Brigade – retro rebels; or
- Perm Power – hair higher than your self-doubt.
Each team needs dancers of all ages and abilities – kids, adults, grandparents, total beginners, returning champs, people with disability, rhythm-free blokes, shy queens, loud uncles… If you can move, vibe, or simply commit, you belong.
The Big Dance
The final performance is an absolute riot – think outrageous choreography, homemade costumes, audience cheering, strategic sabotage, judge bribes, and a trophy so coveted it might as well be the suburban Olympics.
It’s messy. It’s heartfelt. It’s hilarious. It’s community spirit come to life.
Sign up now — before your team fills
Registrations close February 1 and spots go fast. Join a team, learn some moves, make some memories, and come be part of the most joy-filled event of Joondalup Festival.
We’ll see you on the d-floor!
