Aboriginal Dance Company
The Aboriginal Dance Company provides opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to excel in contemporary Indigenous dance. This initiative is coordinated by NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit, mentored by the Australian dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre, enabling students to work with leading dancers and choreographers to recreate works from Bangarra Dance Theatre's repertoire.
About the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company
The Aboriginal Dance Company is an audition-based dance ensemble for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who excel in contemporary Indigenous dance. The NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company has been coordinated by the Arts Unit since 2011. Since that time, it has grown into a highly sought after cultural performance experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7–12.
In previous years, the Company has performed at state dance festivals, in the Schools Spectacular and at a number of other high-profile events. Students selected for the Company will experience new and exciting opportunities to perform in 2026.
Rehearsal and performance schedules
State Dance Festival
Rehearsal – Term 3, Week 5
- Monday 17 August: TBC Bangarra Dance Theatre or Brand X studios
- Tuesday 18 August: TBC Bangarra Dance Theatre or Brand X studios
- Wednesday 19 August: TBC Bangarra Dance Theatre or Brand X studios
- Thursday 20 August: TBC Bangarra Dance Theatre or Brand X studios
- Friday 21 August: TBC Bangarra Dance Theatre or Brand X studios
Rehearsal and performance – Term 3, Week 9
- Monday 14 September: Redfern Community Centre
- Tuesday 15 September: Redfern Community Centre
- Wednesday 16 September: Dress rehearsal from Bangarra Dance Theatre to Seymour Centre
- Thursday 17 September: Performance from Bangarra Dance Theatre studios to Seymour Centre
- Friday 18 September: Performance from Bangarra Dance Theatre studios to Seymour Centre
Schools Spectacular
Rehearsal – Term 4, Week 5
- Monday 9 November: Bangarra Dance Theatre studios
- Tuesday 10 November: Bangarra Dance Theatre studios
- Wednesday 11 November: Bangarra Dance Theatre studios
- Thursday 12 November: Bangarra Dance Theatre studios
- Friday 13 November: Bangarra Dance Theatre studios
Rehearsal and performance – Term 4, Week 7
- Monday 23 November: Sydney Olympic Park
- Tuesday 24 November: Sydney Olympic Park
- Wednesday 25 November: Sydney Olympic Park
- Thursday 26 November: Dress rehearsal at Qudos Bank Arena
- Friday 27 November: Performance at Qudos Bank Arena
- Saturday 28 November: Performance at Qudos Bank Arena
Additional performance opportunities throughout the year as they arise.
Key information
- Company membership fee per student: $400.00 (incl. GST).
- Participating students, their families and schools are responsible for their own travel arrangements to all rehearsals and performances.
- For more information, read the 2026 Aboriginal Dance Company – Information Package (DOCX 4.12 MB)
Audition and application process
Applications for the Aboriginal Dance Company are now closed.
Students will need to learn the audition choreography.
To apply, students must complete the application form and upload the following 4 components:
1. Video of audition choreography
- Students will need to record themselves performing the audition choreography. This should be shot in landscape with the student applying performing and visible from head to toe.
- Each student applying should record only themselves performing the choreography independently. Groups videos are not encouraged as students are hard to identify.
- Multiple applications from schools are accepted.
- Students will need to follow the instructions in the video to create 4 counts of 8 to be performed before or after the audition choreography.
- Students will need to select their own music to performance the movement to that is at a fast tempo.
2. Video of interview
- A filmed 1 minute Viva Voce (short speech) introducing themselves, their school, their mob, their dance experience, why they would like to be part of the Aboriginal Dance Company and what they hope to do in the future.
3. Application endorsement
- All applications must download and complete the following application endorsement form to provide parent / guardian permission, as well as, a teacher reference and principal endorsement.
4. Headshot photograph
- A school photo or similar is accepted.
Families, students and schools will be emailed about the outcome of the audition by Term 2, Week 6, Friday 29 May 2026.
Having been a part of the Aboriginal Dance Company for 3 years now, I have gained so much experience and knowledge about the contemporary style of dance Bangarra uses. It has also given me the opportunity to learn more about my culture and make lifelong friendships with other young Aboriginal people.
Monique, Year 10 Campbelltown Performing Arts High School
Associate Program opportunity
The Associate Program is a training program opportunity for the Aboriginal Dance Company. Members selected from the audition in the Associate Program will form the reserve list for the Company at selected events such as the State Dance Festival and ad hoc performances.
Key information
- Associate Program membership fee is $300.00 (incl GST).
- Associate members will participate in first week of rehearsals as part of a training program. Members will not perform in the State Dance Festival, unless a company spot becomes available.
- All Associate Program members will participate and perform in the Schools Spectacular rehearsals and performance schedule.
Company Manager application
Applications for Company Manager are now closed.
The Company Manager of the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company will support student engagement, participation and wellbeing in collaboration with the Aboriginal Student Cultural and Wellbeing Officer whilst they attend rehearsals and performances throughout 2026.
This role reports directly to the Arts Initiatives and Events Officer, the program coordinator, who sets all routines and services.
View the Company Manager application form for more details.
Aboriginal Student Cultural and Wellbeing Officer application
Applications for Aboriginal Student Cultural and Wellbeing Officer application are now closed.
The Aboriginal Student Cultural and Wellbeing Officer will collaborate closely with the Aboriginal Dance Company Manager to foster student engagement, cultural connection, and holistic wellbeing during rehearsals and performances throughout 2026. This position will provide dedicated cultural support and guidance to ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students feel culturally safe, supported, and empowered within the Aboriginal Dance Company. The role involves fostering respect for cultural protocols and traditions, promoting cultural pride, participation, and identity, alongside overall student wellbeing. This position reports directly to the Arts Initiatives and Events Officer, who oversees all program routines and services.
View the Aboriginal Student Cultural and Wellbeing Officer application form form more details.
Gallery
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The Arts Unit's 2026 Aboriginal Initiatives programs are proudly supported by Matrix CNI.
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Aboriginal Dance Company, please email artsinitiatives@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.
