Melbourne’s RISING festival of music, art, and performance returns from 27 May to 8 June 2026, kicking off its 2026 program with the global street-dance sensation The Royal Family Dance Crew. The Aotearoa/New Zealand crew will present their all-ages showcase Defend the Throne at Hamer Hall on Sunday 7 June, bringing over a decade of high-octane choreography and cultural influence to Melbourne audiences.
Founded by powerhouse choreographer Parris Goebel, The Royal Family Dance Crew has shaped the visual language of pop culture for more than 14 years, dominating the World Hip-Hop Dance Championships with three consecutive MegaCrew titles (2011–2013) and creating iconic performances for stars including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, JLo, and Ariana Grande. Defend the Throne combines the crew’s most celebrated choreography with brand-new work, offering an electrifying encounter with street dance at its finest. 
Artistic Director and CEO Hannah Fox said, “The Royal Family Dance Crew aren’t just cultural powerhouses, they’ve reshaped the global language of movement. Their work is fierce, precise, and completely unfiltered. Defend the Throne is going to hit Melbourne like a lightning bolt.”
Rooted in Polyswagg, a street-dance style born from Aotearoa’s Polynesian youth, the crew’s performances are instinctive, emotionally charged, and visually spectacular. Defend the Throne launches the inaugural Australian Dance Biennial, a new platform within RISING 2026, which will bring together Australian and international dance, create a National Dance Gathering, and showcase programs including BlakFutures.
Melbourne audiences are invited to experience the intensity, rhythm, and passion of The Royal Family Dance Crew this June, as RISING 2026 promises to electrify the city with world-class performance.
Tickets available via rising.melbourne
