The Bangarra dance ensemble are professionally trained, dynamic artists who represent the pinnacle of Australian dance. Their technique is forged from over 40,000 years of culture, infused with contemporary movement.

 

ELMA KRIS (OLD LADY)

Elma was raised on (Waiben) of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Her clan is from the North Western and Central Islands of the Torres Strait and she joined Bangarra in 1997.

 

YOLANDE BROWN (EARTH SPIRIT)

Yolande is a descendant of the Bidjara Clan of the Kunja Nation, Central Queensland, with French and Celtic ancestry. She joined Bangarra in 1999.

 

WAANGENGA BLANCO (DINGO MAN)

Waangenga is a descendant of the Mer Island people and of the Pajinka Wik, Cape York. He joined Bangarra in 2005.

 

LEONARD MICKELO (ABUSED MAN)

Leonard is a descendant of the Bidjara, Kulalli, Gungalhu and Jarruwa clans from Central Queensland. He joined Bangarra in 2006.

 

DANIEL RILEY (PRISON MAN & WEDGETAIL EAGLE)

Daniel’s bloodline runs through the Wiradjuri clan of Western NSW. He joined Bangarra in 2007.

 

KAINE SULTAN-BABIJ (ANDROGYNOUS MAN)

Kaine is a proud descendant of the Arrernte people of Harts Range in the Central Desert region of the Northern Territory. He joined Bangarra in 2011.

 

BEAU DEAN RILEY SMITH (ALCOHOL MAN)

Beau is an Aboriginal man from the Wiradjuri Nation of Central NSW. He joined Bangarra in 2013.

 

NICOLA SABATINO (WOMAN OF DESIRE)

Nicola was raised in Weipa, Far North Queensland and is a descendant of the Kaurareg and Meriam Peoples of the Torres Strait Islands. She joined Bangarra in 2013.

 

Also forming the ensemble cast are Bangarra dancers DEBORAH BROWN, TARA GOWER, TARA ROBERTSON, LUKE CURRIE-RICHARDSON, RIKKI MASON, YOLANDA LOWATTA and RIKA HAMAGUCHI.