The People
Danced
A ritual gathering for embodied movement.
Taungurung Country, April 2026.
2026 Theme
De-Colonise Your Dance
An invitation to move beyond inherited forms, reconnect with body, land, and lineage, and listen deeply.
April 17–19, 2026
Lake Nagambie, Victoria
Acknowledgment of Country
We acknowledge the First Nations Peoples of this Country and their continuing connection with land, sea, community and story. We offer our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Mob Dance Free
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warmly invited to attend at no cost.
A weekend of rhythm, movement, and connection
The 3rd People Danced returns in 2026. Join us for a weekend with some of the country's finest facilitators across 5Rhythms, Open Floor, Dancing Freedom, Ecstatic Dance and more.
This is not a festival. This is a ritual container, held, intentional, and alive.
When
April 17–19, 2026
Fri 5pm – Sun 5pm
Where
Lake Nagambie
Taungurung Country, VIC
The Practices
Six modalities, one journey
5Rhythms
A dynamic moving meditation through Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness.
Open Floor
Embodied movement exploring presence, creativity, and authentic expression.
Dancing Freedom
A conscious dance practice inviting freedom of expression through movement.
Ecstatic Dance
Free-form dance in a safe, substance-free space for authentic self-expression.
The 360 Emergence
An emerging practice exploring the full spectrum of embodied experience.
Welcome to Country
Traditional Taungurung welcome and dance workshop connecting us to the land.
Plus Zenthai Shiatsu, Kahuna Bodywork, and more. Full program released February 2026.
Your Guides
Facilitators
Welcome to Country & Dance Workshop
Taungurung Dance Group
Buk-Ngarrgi-Biik (The People of the Rivers and Mountains)
Manahau Embodied Movement
Kaia Hawkins
she/they/ia
Ngāti Pahauwera, Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Pākehā
5Rhythms
Evelyn Switajewski
she/her
5Rhythms
Sue Andersen
she/her
The Gathering
Bodies in motion
Where earth meets rhythm
Details
The Details
Schedule
Each facilitator is an expert in their practice and will hold space for the collective group to journey together through embodied movement using music and guided facilitation. Sessions run from 9am–10pm with 30 minute breaks between sessions, plus 2 hour breaks for lunch and dinner. Food is available to purchase onsite, or explore local eateries, or bring your own. Please pace yourself—you know your body best. Dance YOUR dance, for you. Your body holds the medicine you need.
"Dance YOUR dance, your body holds the medicine you need."
Venue
One of country Victoria's best old halls. Swim in the lake between sessions. 1.5 hours from Melbourne or train direct to town.
286 High St, Nagambie VIC 3608
Accommodation
Accommodation is self-organised. We recommend booking early as this small lakeside town fills up quickly. Options include caravan parks, Airbnb, and even houseboats! Make it a holiday—share a place with friends. See suggestions below.
All Welcome
LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Disability friendly space. All people, all bodies welcomed.
This is an alcohol and drug-free gathering
Sacred Space
Our agreements
Together, the space is held sacred and safe. Touch always requires consent. Personal space must be respected at all times. This is a clothes on practice.
Chat Free
The dance floor is sacred silent space. Talk in the foyer.
Substance Free
No drugs, alcohol or plant medicines. We get high on being alive.
Phone Free
Leave phones in the foyer. Be present.
Shoe Free
Bare feet or dance shoes only.
Judgement Free
All people welcome. We evolve in our own timing.
Health & Safety
Do not attend if unwell or exposed to Covid. Full refund issued. Organisers reserve right to refuse participation.
Gather on Taungurung Country
Secure your place
Join us for a weekend of movement, connection, and honoring the land
First Release
$295
Limited availability
Second Release
$345
Opens when first sells out
Door Release
$365
If available
Mob Dance Free
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warmly invited to attend at no cost.
Afterpay available
Name changes by 7/2/25 · Refunds close 7/2/25
This gathering takes place on Taungurung Country. We walk gently on this land.