Bangarra Dance Theatre

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Munyarryun family with Bangarra Dance Theatre at Walsh Bay in November 1998 (photograph by Tim Webster, courtesy National Library of Australia - nla.pic-vn3096222)

Location: Walsh Bay

Bangarra Dance Theatre is a dance company formed in 1989 by staff and students of National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA), including Carole Johnson who had been involved with the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre since the 1970s. Bangarra Dance Theatre has occupied studios in one of the finger wharves at Walsh Bay since 1997.

Stephen Page became the artistic director in 1991, in collaboration with his brothers David and Russell.

Under the guidance of the Page brothers, Bangarra developed a uniquely modern style, fusing contemporary techniques with traditional song and dance. Bangarra is an important artistic force in the reconciliation and Aboriginal rights movement as well as an ambassador for Australian performance internationally.

Further reading: Zoe Pollock, ‘Bangarra Dance Theatre’, Dictionary of Sydney, 2008, http://www.dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/bangarra_dance_theatre, viewed 24 September 2013