The dance sector has been recognised across a wide range of categories at the 2026 Green Room Awards, with independent artists, major companies and cross-sector collaborations all acknowledged in this year’s honours.
Among the most notable wins, Restless Dance Company’s Seeing Through Darkness, presented by The Australian Ballet as part of DanceX, took out Outstanding Ensemble, signalling continued recognition for inclusive practice at the highest level.
In the performance categories, two artists were awarded Outstanding Performer. Brooke Stamp was recognised for Mickey, while Tyrel Dulvarie received the award for his work in Melanie Lane’s Pulau. Both performances reflect the breadth of contemporary practice currently shaping Australian dance, from intimate independent work to major festival presentations.
Jo Lloyd’s Agitato emerged as a key work of the year, winning Outstanding Choreography. Lloyd’s presence across multiple nominations further underscores her ongoing influence within the contemporary dance landscape.
In design, Chunky Move’s U>N>I>T>E>D received one of two Outstanding Visual Design awards, recognising the ambitious integration of exoskeleton design, lighting and costume. Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Yuldea also took home a Visual Design award, with Jennifer Irwin recognised for costume design.
Sound design honours went to Rama Parwata for Pulau, continuing a strong showing for the work across categories.
The Outstanding Duo award was presented to Chandler ‘Cheeky’ Connell and Alexander Abbot for The Other Side of Me, a work by Gary Lang for NT Dance Company, again presented as part of DanceX.
Joel Bray’s Monolith was awarded Outstanding Creation, while Gabriella Imrichova’s The Bastard received the Breaking Ground Award, recognising innovation and emerging practice.
Across the board, this year’s awards reflect a sector in active dialogue between independent and major company work, with festivals such as DanceX, Asia TOPA and Rising continuing to play a significant role in platforming new choreography and collaboration.
The results also point to a continued emphasis on interdisciplinary practice, with many of the winning works integrating design, sound and performance in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Together, the 2026 Green Room Awards offer a snapshot of a dance ecology that is both expansive and deeply interconnected, with artists working fluidly across companies, festivals and independent contexts.