Australia’s dance industry is set to converge in Western Australia this February for IGNITE26, a first-of-its-kind national summit dedicated exclusively to the business of dance. Presented by AXIS Dance Collective, the two-day event will take place at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on February 27–28, 2026. While the Australian dance sector has a long history of professional development focused on technical excellence and artistry, IGNITE26 aims to shift the spotlight toward the commercial realities of running a successful studio in the modern landscape.
The summit arrives at a critical time for the industry, as studio owners and educators navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic economy, rising operational costs, workforce challenges, and the ever-present risk of burnout. Co-founder and nationally recognised Dance Business Strategist Kelly Groves says the event was born out of a necessity to provide dance leaders with the same level of professional rigour in business as they have in the studio. “Our industry is rich in talent but historically underserved when it comes to business education,” Groves says. “IGNITE is about shifting the conversation — from survival to sustainability, from hustle to strategy. Dance leaders deserve the tools to build profitable, well-run businesses without sacrificing their values, wellbeing, or artistic integrity.”
The program is specifically curated for studio owners and dance leaders, moving away from choreography and focusing instead on leadership, systems, and long-term viability. Attendees can expect a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and practical workshops designed to offer actionable tools for marketing, compliance, and enrollment growth. The speaker lineup features some of the most respected voices in the Australian dance and business sectors, including Abbe Bradbury (Dynamite Studios Australia), Alex Dunlop (Baby Ballet Australia), Melissa Sgro (Leadership & Team Performance Specialist), Gabrielle Robinson (Empowerdance), and Amy Wiseman (AusDance WA).
Alongside the sessions, the summit will host a curated expo showcasing the latest products and services shaping the future of dance education. With a focus on fostering a resilient national sector, the event is positioned as a major networking hub, encouraging collaboration and partnership between interstate and local leaders. As the industry looks toward a more sustainable future, IGNITE26 stands to be a catalyst for smarter decision-making and stronger business foundations across the country.
Tickets are now available via the AXIS Dance Collective website at www.axisdancecollective.com.au.