Riverina First Nations Dance Ensemble

Region: Rural South and West | Wagga Wagga
Years 7 to 12
Local arts program Dance
Tags: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Dance, High potential and gifted (HPGE)

This program provides an opportunity for talented Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander dance students in the Riverina area: Wiradjuri Country, to extend their skills and connect with culture whilst being mentored by highly accomplished Wiradjuri choreographer Ella Havelka. The dance ensemble fosters a love of dancing by providing rehearsals and performance opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, developing dance technique and performance quality through traditional and contemporary choreography to an original Wiradjuri based sound track. Students have the opportunity to participate in performances and festivals which complement and extend school programs.

 

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Enquiries

Melissa Brown
Riverina First Nations Dance Coordinator
Melissa.brown75@det.nsw.edu.au
02 6925 3611
Cheryl Walker
Arts Coordination Officer
Wagga Wagga
cheryl.j.walker@det.nsw.edu.au
0428 550 202
Wagga Wagga High School

Coleman St
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Australia

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How to apply

Applications

Applications are now open for the 2025 First Nations Dance Ensemble. Students will self register by completing the online registration form and will then attend the audition workshop.

Applications close Friday 14 March 2025 (Term 1 Week 7)

Audition workshop

Interested Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are to audition for the Riverina First Nations Dance Ensemble. Students will be required to attend the audition workshop on Thursday 27 March 2025 (Term 1 Week 9).

Successful students will then be required to attend an additional workshop the following day where they will rehearse a choreographed piece to submit to the Riverina Dance Festival and State Dance Festival.

Cost

All applicants must pay a $20.00 fee to participate in the audition workshop. There may be some additional costs related to excursions and participation in festivals.

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Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held initially once a term at a venue to be advised with additional rehearsals for any special events.

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2024 highlights video

Riverina First Nations Dance Ensemble 2024 - Highlights

Duration: 2:23

Video transcript – Riverina First Nations Dance Ensemble 2024 - Highlights
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2024 photo gallery

Photo credit Brigette Gollasch

Barradambang Dancers on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts, posing with knees bent and hands clasped in front
Barradambang Dancers on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts, side stepping with arms extended and facing forward.
Four Barradambang Dancers on a green lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts, lunging forward with their hands clasped.
Barradambang Dancers on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts, forming a large circle of dancers surrounding a smaller circle
Barradambang Dancers in 3 rows forming shapes with their bodies on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts,
Barradambang Dancers on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts,
Four Barradambang Dancers, two kneeling and two standing behind, all reaching their hands up whilst performing on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts.
Three Barradambang Dancers each with one hand reaching up and one across their mid section, performing on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts,
Barradambang Dancers on an orange and green lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts,
A row or dancers kneeling with a second row standing behind, each with their arms up and hands forming a v shape
Barradambang Dancers on an orange lit stage wearing olive green t shirts and black shorts,
Barradambang Dancers hudled stage right as the lunge towards the audience during their performance at The Riverina Dance Festival
Barradambang Dancers performing on an orange lit stage with their back to the audience, heads ups and one arm pointing straight up toward the ceiling
Two groups of dancers mirror each other whilst performing on an orange lit stage
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A collection of photos from the First Nations Dance Ensemble in 2024
The Barradambang Dancers posing for a group photo in front of a white back drop and wearing olive green t shirts, black shorts and green bandanas wrapped around their forehead.
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All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Riverina First Nations Dance Ensemble, please email Melissa.brown75@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.