dance

Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program celebrates First Nations excellence in classical dance

Phoebe Blogg - July 29, 2025

Senior dancers perfroming at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet program. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)

The Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program has celebrated its second offering of culturally grounded classical dance training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers.

Pproudly presented by The ELLA Foundation, the program, previously known as the First Nations Ballet Ensemble Program, was renamed following consultation with participants.

Yurali — meaning eucalyptus blossom in Wiradjuri — was chosen for its visual likeness to a tutu and its deep cultural resonance while honouring founder Ella Havelka's Wiradjuri heritage.

Held over three days at Danceworks Sydney, the 2025 program built on the success of its initial two-day pilot with an expanded schedule which combined ballet technique, cultural connection, and creative exploration.

Supported by Create NSW, the initiative fostered a culturally safe space for emerging First Nations dancers to strengthen their classical skills while celebrating identity.

*Junior dancers performing at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)*

Whilst the program featured several impressive additions, one program highlight was the creative reimagining of Act II of The Nutcracker.

Dancers explored the Land of the Sweets through their own cultural lens, crafting original narratives inspired by Australian bush treats and native ingredients — merging classical storytelling with a First Nations perspective.

Led by a strong team of First Nations educators including Erica Dixon and Olivia Scott — both former trainees of The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team — the program also welcomed guest teacher Jacob Harrap, who taught pas de deux (partnering) to the three male participants.

On the final day, families and community gathered for an informal showing with the standout feature was the costuming. Leotards were donated by The Australian Ballet School, each individually hand-painted by Havelka, gifting every dancer a garment rich with meaning and cultural expression.

*Dancers performing at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program with NAISDA Dance College student Blake Escott. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)*

"We wanted every detail of the program to honour the dancers identity and the beauty of the ballet art form," Havelka said.

"Seeing them perform in something made just for them — something meaningful — was incredibly powerful."

The performance opened with a stirring Acknowledgement of Country by Wulbunja–Bidjigal–Sri Lankan artist Tristan Field, delivered through an original guitar solo. The showcase closed with a contemporary group piece set to original music composed by Field, featuring poetry co-written by Field and Havelka, and a moving solo by NAISDA Dance College student Blake Escott.

The Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program offers a rare space for First Nations dancers to thrive in classical ballet while remaining deeply connected to culture — something still lacking in most traditional ballet institutions.

*Junior dancers at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet Program. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)*

Feedback from participants was also overwhelmingly positive, with participant Cleo Doyle expressing how she would recommend the program to other young First Nations performers.

"I loved participating in the program! I would really recommend it for young Indigenous performers who want to have fun and learn the art of ballet in a welcoming and culturally safe environment," she said.

With growing interest and impact, The ELLA Foundation is planning to expand the program in 2026 with regular school holiday programs, public performances, and additional workshops in development.

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