Bangarra Dance Theatre
Creating inspiring experiences that change society
Acclaimed around the world for its distinctive theatrical voice, powerful choreography, unique soundscapes and design, Bangarra is Australia's leading First Nations performing arts company.
Founded in 1989, Bangarra creates powerful works of theatre with dance, music, poetry and design. In 2023, Frances Rings took over as Artistic Director after Stephen Page stepped down after 32 years. The company’s dance technique draws on more than 65,000 years of culture, embodied in contemporary movement. Bangarra’s dancers are professionally trained, dynamic artists with a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background. Together, they represent the pinnacle of Australian talent.
New York TimesBangarra Dance Theatre is a modern dance company unlike any other…remarkably imaginative and richly varied.
2023 Season
At Yuldea, stories hover in the sky. The stars reveal a divine Songline, stretching between earth and sky.
Frances Rings’ first work as Artistic Director is a ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage. Yuldea awakens the earth and sky worlds to tell the story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert.
Yuldea explores the moment traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation. In 1917, the two halves of the Transcontinental Railway met at the precious water soak on the edge of the Nullarbor, Yuldi Kapi.
Artistic Director Frances Rings
Frances Rings is a descendant of the Wirangu Tribe from the West Coast of South Australia. Frances was appointed Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2023.
Frances made her main stage choreographic debut with Rations (Walkabout, 2022), receiving outstanding critical acclaim. Frances created a further seven works for Bangarra: Bush (2003, co-choreographed with Stephen Page), Unaipon (2004), X300 (2007), Artefact (2010), Terrain (2012), Sheoak (2015) and SandSong (2021, co-choreographed with Stephen Page).
Terrain is listed on the NSW Higher School Certificate Dance, as compulsory study for Appreciation (Dance).
In 2023, Frances will choreograph Yuldea, her first work as Artistic Director of Bangarra.
Frances has worked as a choreographer and dancer with Australia’s leading dance companies including West Australian Ballet, Tasdance, Meryl Tankard, Leigh Warren, and Legs on the Wall, The Australian Ballet and internationally with companies including KAHA:WI Dance Theatre (Turtle Island) and Atamira Dance Company (Aotearoa).
Frances was appointed Head of Creative Studies at NAISDA Dance College from 2016-2019 and has directed five NAISDA end-of-year productions.
Frances has received multiple awards for her work including six Helpmann Awards (2003, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017), a Deadly Award (2003), Australian Dance Award (2004) and a Green Room Award (2011).