dance

The First Nations dance schools creating the next generation of storytellers

Phoebe Blogg Published February 24, 2026 at 3.30pm (AWST)

A Bangarra Dance Theatre dancer on stage performing. Image: Daniel Boud.

Created to nurture and further the careers of today's cultural storytellers, First Nations dance schools are gaining in popularity every year.

With many First Nations dance schools, colleges and studios striving to develop students' skills across both traditional and contemporary Indigenous styles of dance, those attending are exposed to a variety of opportunities.

From nationally recognised dance companies to local studios, Style Up looks at the top places mob can go to develop their skills, and education surrounding cultural styles of dance.

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Born in 1989 from the energy of NAISDA (National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association), Bangarra Dance Theatre is a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers.

As one of Australia's leading performing arts companies, each of Bangarra's dancers is a professionally trained, dynamic artist with a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.

Today, artistic director and co-chief executive officer Frances Rings and executive director and co-chief executive officer Louise Ingram lead the company in a mission to promote awareness and understanding of our cultures.

Each year, Bangarra tours major performances across Australia, from capital cities to regional towns, and delivers Youth and Education programs to nurture the next generation of storytellers.

Bangarra also regularly tour internationally and deliver career and development pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The dance company recently became the first Australians to be recognised with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Dance by the Biennale Danza 2026, the dance division of La Biennale di Venezia.

*Bangarra dancers in a 2024 photo shoot for Style Up. (Image: Rob Hookey)*

The Ella Foundation

Founded in 2020 by Wiradjuri artist Ella Havelka, The ELLA Foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, and community-based programs that nurture First Nations talent, build confidence, and strengthen cultural connection.

Founded by proud descendant of the Wiradjuri people, Ella Havelka, students are being guided by one of the best.

In 2013, Havelka made history as the first Aboriginal dancer to join The Australian Ballet.

An alumna of Bangarra Dance Theatre and a member of Wagga Wagga's Hands On Weavers, Ella is a multi-disciplinary artist working as a dancer, choreographer, performer and traditional weaver. She uses dance and cultural storytelling to empower future generations and advocate for social equity.

With the foundation rapidly growing its presence within both the creative and dance industry, The ELLA Foundation is set have further success in 2026 and beyond.

"We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't," said Havelka.

"These scholarships create vital pathways for First Nations dancers to train, grow, and thrive-supported by people who understand their journey."

*Senior dancers performing at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet program presented by The Ella Foundation. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)*

NAISDA Dance College

Based in Kariong, New South Wales, NAISDA Dance College is a performing arts training college dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

Recognised as Australia's leading arts training organisation, providing nationally accredited qualifications specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, NAISDA has been in operation since 1976.

Offering professional expertise and world-class training facilities to deliver accredited training programs that are rich in cultural learning and practice, NAISDA Dance College supports and enhances the talents of its students.

NAISDA students are known as Developing or Practising Artists while they undertake training. Many NAISDA graduates continue to play key roles both onstage and off at companies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre.

The creative talents of Developing Artists are showcased each year at NAISDA's performances and stage productions.

*NAISDA students, audience members and families at the NAISDA Graduation Ceremony morning smoking ceremony. (Image: Lisa Haymes)*

Brolga Dance Academy

Founded in 2020 by Gamilaroi and Murrawari woman Jodie Welsh, Brolga Dance Academy is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled dance school and studio.

Brolga Dance Academy is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of First Nations peoples through dance.

Committed to supporting personal and professional growth, offering students pathways to develop skills, enhance their wellbeing, and explore career opportunities within the performing arts, Brolga offers a range of services that include everything from dance workshops to live performances.

The academy was recognised in 2023 when they were awarded Sydney City Business of the Year in Performing Arts, and our founder and artistic director, Jodie Welsh, was named Businessperson of the Year.

Known as a vibrant community hub where tradition meets creativity, and where Aboriginal culture continues to thrive and inspire, Brolga Dance Academy is a place of creativity and community.