We were delighted to host Bangarra Dance Theatre last week for their Rekindling Youth Program.

Rekindling, has connected with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia for the past ten years. Rekindling inspires pride, kinship and a sense of strength in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through a series of dance residencies with secondary school-aged students.

“The Rekindling experience was life-changing for Rosa… it was like learning a language that she somehow had always sort of known.”
– Kate, Parent, Kelvin Grove State College, QLD

Over the course of several weeks, participants spent time gathering stories with guidance from Community Elders and developed skills to produce thought-provoking performances and events.

Rekindling is led by Youth Program Director Sidney Saltner after 25 years as one of Bangarra’s most acclaimed artists. Sidney is supported by our Youth Program Coordinator Sani Townson.

Communities are chosen based on their interest in supporting the program as well as assessment of need. The Rekindling team works closely with Community leaders and Elders to cultivate the sharing of local stories, songs and dance.