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 a collaboration with the world-renowned Australian dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre, enabling students to work with leading dancers and choreographers to recreate works from Bangarra Dance Theatre's repertoire.
Applications for the 2025 company are now open and will close Friday, 2 May.
To apply, complete the Aboriginal Dance Company application form.
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 Company is a partnership between the NSW Department of Education Arts Unit and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
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 2025.
Company rehearsals
- Term 3, Week 7 – Monday 1 September to Friday 5 September at Bangarra Dance Theatre Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 3, Week 9 – Monday 15 September to Thursday 18 September at Sydney Dance Company Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 4, Week 4 – Monday 10 November to Friday 14 November at Bangarra Dance Theatre Studios, Dawes Point
- Term 4, Week 7 – Monday 24 November to Wednesday 26 November at TBC
- Term 4, Week 7 – Wednesday 26 November to Thursday 27 November at Qudos Bank Arena
Performance committments
- State Dance Festival at Seymour Centre, Chippendale – Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September
- Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena – Friday 28 November and Saturday 29 November
- Additional opportunities throughout the year as they arise
Audition process
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. Groups 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, Monday 2 June.
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
Gallery
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The Arts Unit's 2025 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.
