As Australia’s largest dance festival continues to grow its international profile, the Victorian Dance Festival (VDF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maxwell Trengove as Artistic Director, taking the reigns from the talented Yvette Lee. With a career spanning the West End, global tours, and high-profile productions across Australia and abroad, Trengove brings a wealth of both home town talent and international experience to the role, positioning VDF for an exciting new chapter.
“VDF is so important because events of this scale are rare,” says Trengove. “To share in experiences at this level – with the calibre of choreographers on offer, the range of exhibitors and institutions represented, and the chance to witness incredible performances from so many studios and groups – is invaluable to young dancers and teachers alike.”
Trengove hails from Adelaide, where he trained at TIDC before pursuing opportunities interstate and eventually overseas. For the past seven years, he has been based in London, working prolifically as an Associate Choreographer on West End and UK touring productions including Bring It On, Peter Pan, Spotlight Bar, Robin Hood, Stage Struck, and Disney’s upcoming Remember. He has also choreographed extensively for major international cruise lines.
That global insight aligns with VDF’s trajectory. Long known for introducing Australian dancers to international artists through its guest faculty program, the festival now attracts major employers such as RWS Global, Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to audition dancers for professional contracts. Trengove knows firsthand how vital this exposure can be for Australian artists.
“I remember being a young dancer myself and how inspired and motivated I was when I went to my first dance convention many years ago,” he reflects. “I’m excited to bring many of the wonderfully talented people I’ve met around the world to share their knowledge with the Australian dance community.”
As a performer, Trengove’s versatility has seen him work with global superstars including Cher, Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman, Lewis Capaldi, and The Veronicas. His stage credits range from the world premiere of King Kong and hit productions of West Side Story and The Bodyguard, to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the original London cast of Magic Mike.
Now, he is eager to channel that experience into shaping VDF’s future and that of Australian dancers. “Dance is such a huge part of my life, and I’m thrilled to have a hand in curating that experience for a new generation,” says Trengove. “To be the new Artistic Director of VDF is a true honour. Continuing the incredible work of the iconic Yvette Lee, alongside Deborah and Daniel Searle, is a task I am both eager and excited to undertake.”
With tickets already on sale for VDF26 (22–24 May 2026 at Melbourne Showgrounds), Trengove is already working closely with the festival team. “From the get-go, Max just fit,” says Director Deborah Searle. “From his first time teaching for us in 2024, we knew we were introducing someone incredibly special to the VDF community. His international experience, remarkable versatility, and approachable teaching style make him an excellent artistic leader for the festival. As we look ahead to greater international reach and collaboration, Max is the perfect person to help connect Australian dancers with global opportunities. More than that, he is an exemplary role model for dancers aspiring to professional careers. We could not be more excited to see where his expertise takes the festival in the coming years.”
With Trengove at the helm, VDF is set to inspire a new generation of dancers while continuing to cement its reputation as a beacon for Australian dance on the world stage. Stay tuned for news of the incredible line up of instructors Trengove and the VDF team will bring to VDF26.
Celebration tickets for VDF26 end Sunday! Grab your hugely discounted tickets and save a whopping $135 today at vdf.com.au/tickets.
VDF is Australia’s largest dance festival and experience. Don’t miss it! May 22- 24, Melbourne Showgrounds, including Australia’s dance teacher conference and expo – Vitality Dance Teacher Conference.
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