Rekindling participants from Blacktown 2013. Credit: Tiffany Parker.
In 2013, Bangarra Dance Theatre launched its new youth program Rekindling, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of Indigenous story tellers by using dance to reconnect with their cultures.
Rekindling is an intensive dance based program for secondary students exploring ‘who you are’ and ‘where you come from’. The participants research and gather stories with the help and guidance from elders within their communities, to develop dance, performance and creative skills to produce dance theatre in collaboration with local elders.
Last year Rekindling brought together young people in the NSW communities of Moree, Wellington, Kempsey and Blacktown. The program was a great success and Bangarra is pleased to announce Rekindling is expanding in 2014 and includes multiple communities in both New South Wales and Queensland.
Rekindling is led by one of Bangarra’s most acclaimed artists, Sidney Saltner, who transitioned into a new role of Youth Program Director, after 15 years as a Bangarra performer. Working with Sidney and returning for the 2nd year of this highly successful program are renowned workshop leaders and celebrated former Bangarra dancers: Patrick Thaiday and Chantal Kerr.