DanceLife Magazine
2025
Australian Corner
Back to the Heart Rediscovering the Magic of Australian Eisteddfods BY STACEY MORGAN
There’s something uniquely Australian about the word eisteddfod . For decades, these volunteer-run events have been the lifeblood of regional and suburban dance communities, offering performance opportunities that focus more on connection than competition. Over the last 20 years, many studios have embraced the energy and excitement of high-gloss, high- performance commercial dance competitions. Yet, there's a growing sense of appreciation for the warmth and authenticity of eisteddfods—an encouraging shift that reflects a
desire to reconnect with community, tradition, and the joy of performing for the sheer love of dance. The word eisteddfod actually has its roots in the United Kingdom, specifically Wales. It originally referred to a festival of literature, music, and performance. Over time, the tradition made its way to Australia and took on a uniquely local flavour, becoming a staple of the performing arts calendar, particularly for young dancers. My three local eisteddfods were the highlight of each year. Held three months apart during the school
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