Groundwork 2026: A Celebration
Sai Nrityadhee School of Bharatnatyam
Groundwork Dance Festival 2026 has come to a close.
Across one weekend, we shared:
23 performances
97 performers
Ages ranging from 7 to 80
3 workshops
1 panel discussion
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What unfolded at Groundwork was a space where artists at every stage of their practice could step forward, take risks, and be met with generosity. It was a room where emerging and established voices coexisted, and where the audience showed up with openness and enthusiasm.
Self-Producing Panel
What We Saw
We saw first performances and seasoned artists returning to the stage.
We saw a wide range of cultural forms, movement practices, and creative approaches.
We saw young dancers sharing the stage with elders.
We saw people supporting one another, not just their own work.
“My experience at Groundwork was truly incredible… everything flowed smoothly, allowing us to fully focus on our performance.”
“I loved not knowing who was performing… there were children… while the oldest performer was close to 80.”
Kittiwake Ballet
What We Felt
There was a consistent thread across the weekend: people felt safe to show up fully.
“It felt open, generous, and refreshingly low-pressure… a healthy arts ecology depends on many voices being visible at once.”
— Andrea Tucker“I felt completely trusted, accepted, and included… I felt safe pushing my creative boundaries.”
— Kelly Jane Bruton
“To be able to immerse myself… without fear that I don’t belong… this has completely inspired me.”
— Jaimie Tait
This is the work.
Togethering Workshop with Robyn Breen
Why It Matters
Groundwork exists because there is a need for space. Space to try. Space to share. Space to witness.
“Opportunities like Groundwork are invaluable… they create a space for artists to express themselves, gain visibility, and connect with the community.”
Watching the Detectives
Looking Ahead
Planning for Groundwork 2027 is already underway.
The goal remains the same: to hold a space that is artist-driven, accessible, and rooted in community.
To everyone who performed, taught, attended, volunteered, and supported this work: thank you.
This only exists because you showed up.
Groundwork is a partnership between Untellable Movement Theatre and Cameo and is artistically directed and produced by Andrya Duff and Lynn Panting.