Connecting with peers and learning from other dancers is essential to feeling inspired in the classroom. The Inspire Professional Development Program is a series of 90-minute workshops that explore the choreographic processes and recent works of First Nations artists. Featured artists in 2024 include Joel Bray, proud Wiradjuri dancer and performance-maker, and Ngioka Bunda-Heath, a Wakka Wakka, Ngugi and Birrpai dancer and storyteller. Using phrase work and interviews, you will be led through their unique way of creating dance and learn how to introduce their work to your students.
Designed to suit both generalist and specialist Dance teachers.
These practical workshops, and the accompanying resource, are a great starting point if you are looking to build your understanding of Contemporary Indigenous Dance and familiarise yourself with these acclaimed choreographers. And best of all, they are FREE for Registered Teachers.
FREE to enrol, stream anytime.
With Ngioka Bunda-Heath
With Ngioka Bunda-Heath
With Joel Bray
About the Artists
Ngioka Bunda-Heath
Ngioka Bunda-Heath is Wakka Wakka, Ngugi from Queensland (matrilineal) and Biripi from New South Wales (patrilineal). She completed her Advanced Diploma in the Performing Arts (Dance) at the Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts and her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) at the Victorian College of the Arts.
After graduating VCA, she accepted a traineeship with Bangarra Dance Theatre with their Youth Education Program Rekindling. Ngioka is currently a Performer and Choreographer for Mariaa Randall’s Indigenous Female Dance Company DUBAIKUNGKAMIYALK (DKM). She has travelled overseas, dancing in Noumea, New Caledonia with Compine Maado, Banff in Canada as part of the International Indigenous Dance Residency and took part of the World Dance Alliance in France. Ngioka performed in Los Angeles for the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and Festival and attended the First Nations Dialogues in New York.
Joel Bray
Naarm-based Joel Bray is a proud Wiradjuri dancer and performance-maker and Artistic Director of Joel Bray Dance. He performed with European companies and choreographers and with CHUNKY MOVE. Joel’s dance-theatre encounters in unorthodox spaces spring from his Wiradjuri heritage, and use humour to engage audiences in rituals about sex, history, trauma and healing. Joel makes his work in collaboration with Elders, Community and Country.
Joel’s works – Biladurang, Dharawungara, Daddy, Considerable Sexual License, Garabari and Giraru Galing Ganhagirri – have toured to major arts festivals in Australia and overseas. Joel has made works for Artshouse, CHUNKY MOVE, Sydney Dance Company, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Bonus Resource
Complete any of the workshops in the Inspire Professional Development Program and get access to the Big Heart Education Resource for FREE!
The Big Heart Education Resource offers students unique insight into Contemporary Aboriginal dance and culture. Developed by Ausdance VIC/NSW in 2018 and updated in 2024, the education resource builds on the themes, stories and issues that lay within the choreography of Big Dance [BIG HEART STORY], by renowned choreographers Frances Rings and Craig Bary.
The comprehensive education package is available as a digital download and includes:
- An introduction and general advice
- Detailed unit plan aligned to the Australian Curriculum for each band level
- 10 lesson plans per unit
- Teaching tips on inclusion and access, safe spaces, warming up and down, working to the strengths of your students, and protocols for Indigenous dance
Learn more about the Big Heart Education Resource >>
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