Tharnpa claimed the top prize at DanceRites on Sunday evening, following two days of performances at the Sydney Opera House as part of Australia's only national competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups.
Across October 24-25, more than 300 dancers performed on the unique sand circle stage on the Forecourt, entertaining thousands of audience members gathered to share in a joyful celebration of culture and community.
Seventeen groups from across the continent gathered in Sydney for the ninth iteration of the event, showcasing the cultural and traditional practices from more than 50 nations and clans.
Fourteen of the groups also took part in the Wild Card category, demonstrating their distinct style and integrating contemporary elements into the performances.
The winners included Tharnpa (DanceRites 2026 Overall Winner ($25,000), Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (Runner Up ($8,000), Lagaw Titui [Island Stars] (Best Wild Card Dance ($8,000) and Brolga Dance Academy and Shalom First Nations Dancers (Rhoda Roberts AO Rites of Passage Awards ($4,500 each).
The performances were judged by an expert panel, with each performance assessed on their engagement with storytelling, language and culture - including song, skin markings, regalia and technical dance skills.
The judges included Beau Dean Riley Smith (Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay), Julie Bukari Webb (Dharug), Marilyn Miller (Kukuyalanji, Waanyi), Rosealee Pearson (Yolŋu, Maŋgalili, Yirrkala) and Toby Cedar (Torres Strait Islander, Eastern Islands).
The Rhoda Roberts AO Rites of Passage Awards acknowledged groups with outstanding contributions to revitalising cultural knowledge and practices.
These awards were renamed this year to honour the remarkable legacy of the late Rhoda Roberts AO who founded the competition in 2015, as part of her role as the first Head of First Nations Programming.
The 2026 DanceRites weekend also featured performances from Canadian powwow group Wabanaki Dancers, Jannawi Dance Clan (Dharug), 2024 DanceRites champions Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group (Torres Strait - Meriam) and Dance students from NAISDA, who also led a participatory workshop with audience members.
"The atmosphere at DanceRites is unmatched, and it's been very special to gather in the thousands this weekend to celebrate community and culture," said Head of First Nations Programming at the Sydney Opera House, Michael Hutchings.
"It's enriching to witness the diversity of so many First Nations traditions, brought to life by hundreds of performers who have travelled from all across the continent and beyond.
"It's an honour for us to champion them on one of the world's most famous stages - the Sydney Opera House Forecourt - and continue the living history of Tubowgule as a significant place for storytelling and cultural exchange."
DanceRites 2026 can now be watched via YouTube on both the Sydney Opera House and NITV channels, and on SBS On Demand.
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