NAISDA Dance College

NAISDA Dance College NAISDA is Australia’s leading arts training organisation specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People

NAISDA is Australia’s leading arts training organisation specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a proud tradition of producing the next generation of Indigenous creative and cultural artists, performers and leaders since 1976. NAISDA is one of eight elite national training organisations in the Australian performing arts (along with organisations including NIDA, the Australian Ballet School and the National Academy of Music)

26/05/2026

Today is the start of National Reconciliation Week and the 59th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

As part of Voices for Reconciliation 2026, NAISDA students and staff came together to sing, and of course dance to, Beds Are Burning, joining voices and choirs across the country sharing performances of this powerful anthem in support of National Reconciliation Week and this year's theme All In.

Thanks to everyone who brought their energy and voice to this performance, and particularly to Senior Cultural Trainer Berthalia Selina Reuben and the Cultural Team for leading and making it happen.

"All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

Reconciliation is not a spectator sport and all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

The theme reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us." - Reconciliation Australia

On National Sorry Day, our hearts are with the Stolen Generations and with all of us who continue to live with the impac...
25/05/2026

On National Sorry Day, our hearts are with the Stolen Generations and with all of us who continue to live with the impact of forced removal, disconnection and grief across our families and communities.

For 50 years, NAISDA has believed in the power of Country, Story and Connection. Healing begins with truth, listening and acknowledgement, and we see this every day as our students tell their stories with honesty and strength, carrying the spirit of our Ancestors through their creativity, leadership and vision for the future.

Image credit: Save Our Files by Advanced Diploma student Blake Escott, Carriageworks 2025. Photography by Anthony Edgar

"My piece is about a turtle going on a journey home, back to their Country. Through that turtle’s journey, I've been abl...
25/05/2026

"My piece is about a turtle going on a journey home, back to their Country. Through that turtle’s journey, I've been able to relate to a lot to what it’s gone through. My family, friends and everyone, have always been the people that I’ve come home to, to heal my soul and to heal my spirit.”

“My parents especially have always had my back, and I really wanted to use this time in my Restoration work to say thank you to them”

- Alira, NAISDA Advanced Diploma

Earlier this month, our Advanced Diploma students presented a beautiful and moving evening of works as part of their Restoration Choreographic Process. Through personal research and creative practice, the works explored and expressed cultural connection, identity and Storying.

“The classes we take with Dr Nerida Blair, exploring our family, Story and ourselves, as well as our time spent with Unc...
22/05/2026

“The classes we take with Dr Nerida Blair, exploring our family, Story and ourselves, as well as our time spent with Uncle Raymond Blanco, really helped inspire and drive my piece”

“Everything that I’ve done, and expressed through this piece, has had a huge impact on who I am today. I wanted to use my voice, because I often don’t speak out like that. For this I thought "OK, lets do it!”

- Drew, NAISDA Advanced Diploma

Earlier this month, our Advanced Diploma students presented a beautiful and moving evening of works as part of their Restoration Choreographic Process. Through personal research and creative practice, the works explored and expressed cultural connection, identity and Storying.

“This work is about family connection and where I come from. I used weaving as a metaphor for family because every red k...
21/05/2026

“This work is about family connection and where I come from. I used weaving as a metaphor for family because every red knot and pattern connects to make something strong, just like family. Their stories are woven into me and have shaped who I am today.”

“This work is a way for me to honour them, carry their stories and continues their legacy.”

- Lena, NAISDA Advanced Diploma

Earlier this month, our Advanced Diploma students presented a beautiful and moving evening of works as part of their Restoration Choreographic Process. Through personal research and creative practice, the works explored and expressed cultural connection, identity and Storying.

19/05/2026

Recently our Diploma and Advanced Diploma students spent three days collaborating with NIDA Directing and Design students.

This annual exchange creates space for students to experiment across disciplines and engage in creative play that sparks new ways of thinking, making and working together.

Our thanks to everyone who made this year's collaboration possible, and to National Institute of Dramatic Art for hosting and making us all feel so welcome.

A Gift for the Next 50 YearsFor 50 years NAISDA has invested in the futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stu...
16/05/2026

A Gift for the Next 50 Years

For 50 years NAISDA has invested in the futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

This end of financial year, we invite our community to help shape and support the next 50 years.

Your donation helps build strong lives through holistic wellbeing, health service support and life skills that help young artists grow in confidence and connection.

Give a 50th Gift Today

https://www.givenow.com.au/NAISDA

NAISDA is shaped by the people who bring their skills, care and commitment into this space every day. As we look to the ...
14/05/2026

NAISDA is shaped by the people who bring their skills, care and commitment into this space every day. As we look to the next 50 years, we are growing our organisation and investing in our people.

One of our newest roles, Fundraising Manager, is a key part of building capacity, strengthening partnerships and preparing for future growth.

We spoke with one of our newest team members Louise Keys about what it’s like to be part of NAISDA.

Read the full story here: 👉 https://naisda.com.au/2026/04/01/meet-the-people-shaping-whats-next-louise-keys/

Over the past four days, NAISDA hosted the 2026 Arts8 Collaboration on Darkinjung Country, welcoming students from Austr...
11/05/2026

Over the past four days, NAISDA hosted the 2026 Arts8 Collaboration on Darkinjung Country, welcoming students from Australia’s eight leading performing arts training organisations for an intensive partnership of creative exchange.

“Cultural knowledge, story and place are embedded in NAISDA’s training and shape how our students move, think and create. Sharing that approach brought a depth of First Nations connection and perspective to this year’s collaboration.” - Katina Olsen, NAISDA Dance Practice Lead.

The week concluded with an informal showing, reflecting the collective process and creative conversations developed across the collaboration.

Read more here: 👉 https://naisda.com.au/2026/05/11/naisda-hosts-national-arts8-collaboration-in-milestone-50th-year/

Photography by Trent Brailey and Geraldine Cardozo

08/05/2026

Advanced Diploma student Blake has been performing on professional stages across Australia with one of the country’s leading dance companies, Gary Lang NT Dance Company in The Other Side of Me.

Now on at Sydney Opera House until Saturday 9 May before an international tour, this opportunity reflects the direct impact of NAISDA’s strong creative partnerships and industry-led placements embedded in the Advanced Diploma, led by Alfred Taahi. These experiences create real pathways from training into industry. We caught up with Blake ahead of the tour to hear more about the experience.

Chookas to Blake, Gary Lang N.T Dance Company, BlakDance, and the cast and crew of The Other Side of Me. We can’t wait to cheer him on in person this weekend.

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31 The Avenue
Gosford, NSW
2250

Telephone

+61243403100

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