Dance Clan

For over 25 years, Dance Clan has fostered the talents of a new generation of storytellers, designers, dancers and choreographers; springboarding choreographic careers of artists including Deborah Brown, Sani Townson, Tara Gower, Yolande Brown, and Bangarra’s Artistic Director Frances Rings. 

In 2024, Yawuru woman Lillian Banks and Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man Kallum Goolagong both choreograph original works performed by the Bangarra Dance Theatre Dancers, and in a first for Dance Clan, Gamilaroi and Tongan man Daniel Mateo choreographs and stars in a dance film co-directed with Cass Mortimer Eipper. 

Dance Clan offers the unique opportunity for Bangarra’s artists to share their own stories alongside a brilliant team of Indigenous early career designers, as they express their creative voice, with the support of their elders and mentors. 

Current and former David Page fellows James Howard, Leon Rodgers, and Amelia Thompson will compose the score for each piece under the mentorship of composers Brendon Boney and Steve Francis. Fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston and set designer Annaliese McCarthy will create the design elements of the show under the guidance of designer Elizabeth Gadsby. 

Choreographers will be mentored by independent artists Raghav Handa and Bangarra alumna Jasmin Sheppard, with lighting design by Matt Cox. Also joining the creative team are Director of Photography Liam Brennan and Producer Michaela Le 

The value and importance of Dance Clan was highlighted this year with Sani Townson’s 2023 Dance Clan work, Kulka, making its mainstage debut as part of Horizon.