The National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) have announced the appointment of renowned Aboriginal dance artist Frances Rings to the position of Head of Creative Studies of NAISDA Dance College.
A descendant of the Kokatha Tribe and also of German descent, Adelaide born Frances will join the College in her new role as it celebrates its 40th year as Australia’s premier Indigenous dance training institute.
A former Developing Artist at NAISDA, Frances graduated from the College in 1992, moving on to join Bangarra Dance Theatre in 1993, where she developed great skills as a choreographer and becoming Bangarra’s first choreographic Artist in Residence – creating many works that toured to great acclaim both nationally and internationally.
Frances has also created works for many of Australia’s tertiary institutions and has been an international guest artist at the Banff Centre in Banff, Canada, Altamira Dance Company in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Kahawi Dance Theatre in Toronto, Canada.
NAISDA welcomed Frances back to the organisation in 2014 and 2015 as Director of NAISDA’s end of year productions, Your Skin My Skin and Kamu. The College is now excited to welcome her in her new capacity as Head of Creative Studies, a pivotal role in 2016 as NAISDA celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Frances will participate in the delivery of NAISDA’s new curriculum which will begin in 2017. This innovative curriculum will take NAISDA into new territory and will highlight future developments for the College and its Developing Artists.
Chair of NAISDA Ltd and the NAISDA Board, Nyunggai Warren Mundine commented that Frances will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to NAISDA gained over 20 years at the highest level of contemporary Indigenous dance across the globe.
“Frances’ connections both culturally and artistically across Australia and the world will help NAISDA to further create and produce the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance artists,” said Mr Mundine.
“The Board and staff of NAISDA are excited about the passion, experience and creative energy that Frances will bring to both the organisation and the Developing Artists and we know Frances will do a fantastic job in this new role.”
For more information, visit: www.naisda.com.au for details.
Image: Frances Rings in rehearsal at NAISDA – photo by Branco Gaica