Bangarra Dance Theatre is a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. One of Australia’s leading performing arts companies; widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for its powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical voice and utterly unique soundscapes, music and design.
The Balnaves Foundation has supported Bangarra Dance Theatre’s community initiatives since 2017, through the Community Ticketing Programs including Community Nights, Community Tickets and the Wilay Program.
In 2026, the Community Ticketing Program has become Community First, with Community First performances in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane including a ‘pre-show yarn’ with complimentary tea and coffee and the chance to meet and talk directly with Bangarra’s dancers after the show. There is also the option to access subsidised community tickets throughout each location’s season ensuring greater access and opportunities for Community to share in the experience of storytelling.
Taking place before the performance is open to the public, Community Nights, was a dedicated session for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. These productions are an important component of giving back, paying respect and honouring community relationships that are the foundation blocks for Bangarra.
Community Tickets for Bangarra’s Regional Touring program supported access to the performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Members, as well as those working alongside and within First Nations Communities.
Alongside this, the Foundation supported the Wilay program enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students to access a schools matinee performance at a discounted price. The performance is followed by an ‘In Conversation’ with dancers and creatives. Wilay allows Bangarra to build a relationship with the next generation of those who share the rich culture and history that is sewn though our storytelling; it’s important to pass these stories down.
Find out more about Bangarra’s Community First program and Wilay through their website.