The future of the illustrious Bangarra Dance Theatre is looking bright with the announcement the Russell Page Graduates.
Biripi Worimi woman Roxie Syron and Arabana Gurindji man Eli Clarke are the newest members of the program, dedicated to providing opportunities for recently graduated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers.
Having left his Mpartnwe Alice Springs hometown at just 16 to chase his dreams of a career in the performing arts, Mr Clarke said his appointment to the company that once inspired him is a full-circle moment.
"Bangarra has always been such an inspiration to me and fuelled me to ... do things like move to Sydney," he told NITV.
Eli Clarke left his NT home and community to pursue training and opportunities for his dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Credit: Daniel Boud
"You don't get a lot of professional shows in Alice Springs and they were the first professional show I ever watched and since then I've just been amazed by the beauty of dance."
Clarke has credits performing in West Side Story with Opera Australia, appearing on The Masked Singer in 2023 and dancing alongside Courtney Act in the World Pride Opening Ceremony.
Looking forward, he is especially excited for the chance to be surrounded by his culture again, after struggling with his transition to life and education in the city of Sydney.
"This opportunity doesn't come around that often, to be a part of a full Blak company, specifically a company full of Indigenous people it makes me so proud and excited," he said.
"There's something so powerful about dancing in a group of all Aboriginal people it just makes me so happy."
The talent is evident in both of the 2025 program entrants, with the Ms Syron boasting a list of equally admirable achievements behind her, highlighting her own dedication to the craft.
Ms Syron has been dancing since she was 5 years old and she has wasted no time in collecting a list of notable achievements that clearly showcase the talent that led to her selection for the program, including a prior secondment to appear as a guest artist in Bangarra’s Horizon tour and being a Nederlands Dans Theater invitee.
“I’m so grateful to continue to be a part of Bangarra Dance Theatre, to learn from all the incredible choreographers, and to work with the beautiful company members who have made me feel so welcome...Storytelling is the heart of Indigenous culture and to be able to contribute and inspire storytelling through contemporary dance is extremely valuable," Syron said on her acceptance into the program.
No stranger to the stage the Biripi and Worimi woman has also been a back-up dancer on Australia’s Got Talent, and joined the cast of The Nutcracker with Sydney City Youth Ballet alongside her other performances.
At 21, she has just completed her second pre-professional year with Sydney Dance Company and has undertaken previous training with prestigious institutions such as Tanya Pearson Academy and Brent Street Performing Arts.
Program honours luminary of Blak dance
Initiated in 2015, the program was named to honour Munaldjali and Nunukal man Russell Page, younger brother of and to acknowledge and continue his immense impact on the dance company.
The program was designed for those early in their career to gain professional experience and mentorship through direct involvement in touring and performing with as full-time ensemble members.
It has been responsible for providing over 20 dancers so far entry into the competitive field, with many of the current and former ensemble members shining on the stages at Bangarra also having come directly from the program.
The prospect of ongoing work beyond the initial year of training makes the thought of getting accepted so much more exciting for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent looking for their big break.
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Frances Rings said, “I am thrilled to welcome Eli and Roxie to the Bangarra community. Both dancers represent the very best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and I’m delighted to be able to share their artistry with audiences across the country in 2025,"
“Our Russell Page Graduate Program is truly unique in the Australian arts landscape, giving the next generation of talent the opportunity to share the Story, knowledges, history and experiences of our First Peoples and create lasting impact,” Rings trusts that the next generation of art, culture and storytelling is landing in good hands.
