IDEA’25: Independent Dance Takes Centre Stage in Sydney
FORM Dance Projects has announced the return of IDEA – Independent Dance Exchange Australia – Sydney’s festival dedicated to independent dance. Running from 25 September to 17 October 2025, the second edition promises an expansive mix of workshops, performances, and creative collaborations across the city.
Launched in 2024 to address gaps in development and presentation opportunities, IDEA quickly proved its impact. Its inaugural year attracted more than 750 artists across six venues and four LGAs, revitalising Sydney’s dance landscape. One participant reflected, “It was really nice to have such a long festival-style workshop series in Sydney. It felt like something that has been missing from the NSW landscape.”
This year’s IDEA’25 program offers an eclectic and ambitious lineup, featuring some of Australia’s most respected dance and physical theatre practitioners. Venues include the newly reopened Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst, set to become a hub for independent dance presentation. As one participating artist noted, “I am totally stoked to see IDEA champion the Eternity Playhouse as Sydney’s new venue for independent dance.”
Highlights include:
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Darunga – First Nations Festival Weekend: A two-day gathering of First Nations artists, curated by Peta Strachan, Jannawi Dance Clan, and guests, held at Murama Dance Ground / Newington Armoury.
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Yeah The Boys: Vanessa Marian and Stefan Hunt’s bold reimagining of their award-winning short film, exploring masculinity and mateship through workshops, auditions, and creative development across Sydney.
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Resonance: James Batchelor and collaborators unite three generations of dancers at Sydney Dance Company, honouring the legacy of Tanja Liedtke.
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Overture: An immersive, whimsical behind-the-scenes journey from Tegan Jeffrey-Rushton and collaborators at the Eternity Playhouse.
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On Tap: Improvisation legends Andrew Morrish, Tony Osborne, and Peter Trotman bring spontaneous solo performances full of risk, humour, and high energy.
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IDEA NOW: A free platform for independent artists to present work, connecting them with national networks, venues, and festivals.
For more than 25 years, FORM Dance Projects has been a leading presenter of independent contemporary dance from its base at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta. With the launch of its new strategy At Home in Western Sydney / At Home in the World, FORM is deepening its commitment to place-based practice while expanding the reach of Australian dance on the global stage.
IDEA’25 continues that mission, creating vital space for innovation, cultural exchange, and professional growth within Sydney’s independent dance community.