Sydney Square Dance

In April 2021, Darling Harbour and The Rocks public spaces were energised through epic dance performances and interactive classes during the Sydney Square Dance.

Sydney Square Dance was conceived by Andrew Hoyne and his team at Hoyne agency. They came up with the idea and entered it as part of the Public Space Ideas competition. The competition aimed to shape a new conversation about public space in Sydney and was delivered in partnership with the Committee for Sydney.

More than 530 entries were received after a call went out in August for public submissions that reimagine, inspire, create, include and bring awareness to public spaces across Greater Sydney.

We were thrilled to now see these ideas come to life in Darling Harbour and the Rocks these school holidays. It provides an opportunity for vibrant local dance and music communities to perform again in a safe, ‘socially dis-danced’ environment.

The Sydney Square Dance was all about getting everyone out having fun with one another and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle through dance and movement. The family-friendly and COVID Safe festival was celebrated in the great public spaces around Darling Harbour.

This wasn't your average square dance. All interactive classes were ‘socially dis-danced’ using square grids drawn on the floor, and each dancer had their own square to move in.

Darling Harbour was transformed with dance-related decals and dancing squares across the precinct.

As well as fun interactive dance classes there were:

• Dance battles under the Darling Harbour underpass
• Dance Cinema featuring dance related films and videos at Darling Square
• Arcade dancing featuring Dance Dance Revolution
• Incredible dance classes and performances
• Impromptu flash mobs (if you were in the right place at the right time)

Darling Harbour Sydney Square Dance

For further information and the event program, check out Darling Harbour’s Sydney Square Dance program page.