Bangarra Dance Theatre will bring three stories of Country together in its 2026 national triple bill, 'Sheltering', with new and existing works exploring protection, connection and storytelling across generations.

The program will feature 'Keeping Grounded', 'Brown Boys' and 'Sheoak', with the company touring from May to July 2026.

'Keeping Grounded' was choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell and grew from Dance Clan 2023 before being reimagined for a new stage.

The work explores the challenge of staying culturally, physically and spiritually connected to Country in a world shaped by technology and daily pressure.

Ms Tuohy-Daniell said the work came from a personal healing process.

"I was going through a healing process, my heart felt like it had been ripped right out of chest things were not working out mentally for me," Ms Tuohy-Daniell said.

"I needed to find some other ways of helping myself... I need to remember to go walk barefoot on the Earth, I need to help my body heal itself physically and mentally.

"This story is a reminder to people that walking barefoot on the Earth like our ancestors did is something I think we are missing in this very fast pace go go go life we are living right now."

The piece also reflects on the way modern life can create separation from Country, even through simple daily habits.

Ms Tuohy-Daniell said the work asks people to think about connection in a practical way.

"This story is a reminder to people that walking barefoot on the Earth like our ancestors did is something I think we are missing in this very fast pace go go go life we are living right now, she said.

"A small reminder of something that used to be a part of our everyday life is no longer, it feels like a task or something you have to go out of your way to succeed at.

"Healing from decisions that were never our choices, understanding that we have a choice and sometimes the healthiest choice feels like a gravel road."

Tiwi designer Claire Parker worked on the costumes for 'Keeping Grounded', drawing from Ms Tuohy-Daniell's concept of city life, disconnection and the need to return to culture.

The costumes were given a utility feel, inspired by uniforms and the structure of the army, while still allowing each dancer to hold an individual identity.

Ms Parker said the costume design was shaped by story, movement and protection.

"As a Tiwi designer, my identity naturally informs everything I create," she said.

"I included a piece of my Tiwi artwork within the costumes not necessarily to be visually seen by the audience, but to be felt by the dancers wearing them.

"For me, it was about creating a sense of protection, safe passage and healing while they danced."

The collaboration also drew on shared links to the Northern Territory and a shared understanding of community, storytelling and connection to Country.

Ms Parker said the project differed from her fashion practice because it was less about garments and more about carrying the emotional and cultural weight of the work.

'Brown Boys' is a film directed by Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper and explores the experiences of young Indigenous men through identity, belonging and cultural connection.

The work is inspired by Mateo's poetry and draws from his journey as a Gomeroi and Tongan man, blending dance, narrative and film.

'Sheoak' was choreographed by Mirning woman and Bangarra artistic director and co-chief executive Frances Rings, with music by the late Munaldjali and Nunukul composer David Page.

The work premiered in 2015 as part of the double bill 'Lore' and explores resilience, connection to Country and cultural identity through the sheoak tree.

Ms Rings said the program connected past and present voices within Bangarra.

"Intergenerational storytelling is an important part of my artistic vision for Bangarra," Ms Rings said.

"In Sheltering, we see the different perspectives and styles of how Bangarra choreographers from past and present create work.

"In commissioning fresh voices, Bangarra cultivates continuity between tradition and innovation, memory and emergence."

Ms Tuohy-Daniell said she hoped audiences would take what they needed from the work and use it to start conversations.

'Sheltering' will open on Ngunnawal Country at Canberra Theatre Centre from May 23 to 27, before travelling to Gadigal Country at the Sydney Opera House from June 3 to 13, Wurundjeri Country at Arts Centre Melbourne from June 18 to 27 and Meanjin at QPAC from July 9 to 18.