Bangarra Dance Theatre is pleased to present Dance Clan – a series of brand-new works from emerging Indigenous choreographers and creatives, on Gadigal Country at Bangarra’s Studio Theatre from 29 November 2024.
For over 25 years, Dance Clan has fostered the talents of a new generation of storytellers, designers, dancers and choreographers; spring-boarding choreographic careers of artists including Deborah Brown, Sani Townson, Tara Gower, Yolande Brown, and Bangarra’s Artistic Director Frances Rings.
In 2024, Yawuru woman Lillian Banks and Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man Kallum Goolagong both choreograph original works performed by the Bangarra Dance Theatre Dancers, and in a first for Dance Clan, Gamilaroi and Tongan man Daniel Mateo choreographs and stars in a dance film co-directed with Cass Mortimer Eipper.
Dance Clan offers the unique opportunity for Bangarra’s artists to share their own stories alongside a brilliant team of Indigenous early career designers, as they express their creative voice, with the support of their elders and mentors.
Current and former David Page fellows James Howard, Leon Rodgers and Amelia Thompson will compose the score for each piece under the mentorship of composers Brendon Boney and Steve Francis.
Fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston and set designer Annaliese McCarthy will create the design elements of the show under the guidance of designer Elizabeth Gadsby.
Choreographers will be mentored by independent artists Raghav Handa and Bangarra alumna Jasmin Sheppard, with lighting design by Matt Cox. Also joining the creative team are Director of Photography Liam Brennan and Producer Michaela Le.
“For 35 years, Bangarra has been nurturing and cultivating growth in First Nations artists, creatives and storytelling,” said Frances Rings, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre.
“Dance Clan gives us a new dawn, where we are energised by the early-career talent and emerging creative leaders who bring a fresh generational breath and bold artistic imaginings.”
Creating new works this year are Lillian Banks (Yawuru) and Kallum Goolagong (Wiradjuri / Darkinjung). We are also proud to announce the creation of a new dance film by Daniel Mateo (Gamilaroi / Tongan) in collaboration with choreographer and filmmaker, Cass Eipper.
Each of these emerging choreographers offer us new prism through which we see First Nations stories, and a glimpse into a future of unexplored possibilities.”
The value and importance of Dance Clan was highlighted this year with Sani Townson’s 2023 Dance Clan work, Kulka, making its mainstage debut as part of Horizon.
Dance Clan
The Studio Theatre at Bangarra, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season: 29 November – 14 December 2024
Information and Bookings: www.bangarra.com.au
Image: Kallum Goolagong, Lillian Banks and Daniel Mateo – photo by Daniel Boud