Proud graduates from across Australia were celebrated at the 2025 NAISDA Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, on Darkinjung Country - NSW Central Coast.
Australia's leading performing arts training organisation for First Nations students, NAISDA honoured 28 graduates, including five who received the nationally accredited qualification of Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Joshua Doctor, Erica Dixon, Brooklyn Bond, Tayla Jackson and Harlisha Newie-Joe.
"The sense of community that we build at NAISDA, we essentially gain another family. It is so important and so beautiful," Ms Dixon said.
Families, community members, Elders and arts industry leaders gathered to honour the achievements of the Class of 2024, with performances, reflections and a keynote address by Wiradjuri choreographer and artistic director of Australian Dance Theatre, Daniel Riley.
His speech celebrated the role of culture, leadership and artistic innovation in shaping the future of First Nations performance.
"This Class of 2024 is an incredibly impressive group, showcasing the strength of First Nations' artistic talent," Mr Riley said.
"Seeing the incredible work that they have undertaken during their time at NAISDA, and knowing they will now go on to make their own contributions to the rich and ever-evolving Australian creative landscape is exciting.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay dancer, Joshua Doctor, to Australian Dance Theatre as a Company Artist, the first NAISDA graduate to join our ensemble on a full-time basis in the company's history."
Riley shared how proud he is of Doctor and how thrilled he is to have him join Australian Dance Theatre.
"Josh is an extraordinary talent, he is deeply connected to his culture and he is such a joy to have in the room. I am thrilled following the graduation he will travel with Australian Dance Theatre and represent the Australian Dance Theatre," he said.
"And for me it is a real privilege to have more black voices in the company."
NAISDA chief executive officer Kim Walker congratulated this year's graduates, sharing how proud she is to have watched and been apart of the students journey at NAISDA.
"Our students are culture carriers, storytellers and change-makers. These five graduates are ready to take their place as leaders in the world of performing arts and beyond. We are proud of their journey and excited for what comes next," Mr Walker said.
As a unique world-first dance and creative arts education and training organisation, NAISDA empowers First Nations people to fulfil their personal and career ambitions through lifelong learning, skills development and connection to culture. NAISDA's distinctive learning model is the only one of its kind, uniquely connected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, culture and people.
Applications for NAISDA's 2026 intake are now open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16 and over. Applications are welcome no later than the 2nd of September 2025.
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