Secondary Catalogue

Woollarawarre Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora, from the Port Jackson area in Sydney. With extraordinary curiosity and diplomacy, Bennelong led his community to survive a clash of cultures, and left a legacy that reverberates through contemporary life. Bennelong is Bangarra at its best. In a unique Australian dance language, the company celebrates the continuation of life and culture through the power, artistry and passion of the country’s most outstanding dancers. With its immersive soundscapes and exquisite design, Bennelong will leave you in awe of Australia’s history – and its power to repeat. Teachers are advised to review the work before selecting it for study, as it includes scenes/themes that some viewers may find challenging. Show Less

Living on the Plateau, at an average elevation of over 12 thousand feet above sea level, the Tibetan people are known to be compassionate, bold, candid and devout. Most Tibetans practice Tibetan Buddhism. Just as the distinctive geographical and weather conditions in the region have influenced their dance movements, Tibetans sacred religious beliefs and political climate have also had an impact. This programme combines both Tibetan folk dance and stage dance performances of The Song of the Emancipated Serfs choreographed by Xu Xiaoping of China Central University for Nationalities and Tibetan Mystery choreographed by Yang Liping (also lead dancer). In addition, Madam Yang provides insight into her artistic and casting choices for Tibetan Mystery. Show Less

In this programme, the ethereal voice of Buren Bayaer (a legendary Inner Mongolian singer), along with the images of yurts and running horses, brings the audience to an otherworldly setting of Inner Mongolia. Inner Mongolians, in general, are known to excel at horse riding. The span of the great plain has cultivated the openness and strength in this ethnic group and nurtured their vigorous, bold and energetic dances. Distinguished Inner Mongolian dancers, Dun E Er and Si Qin Hua, demonstrate traditional Mongolian Horse Dance, Chopstick Dance and Bowl Dance. It features Leaping Horses choreographed by Ma Yue of China Central University for Nationalities, a contemporary stage dance presentation inspired by Mongolian horse dance tradition. An interview with Ma Yue provides an insight into the conceptual and artistic choices made in the creation of this dance piece. Show Less

Han is the largest ethnic group in China, whose people inhabit the middle and eastern regions of the country. Han folk dance tradition started on the streets in the 5th century as ritual events. Nowadays, this tradition named Yangko flourishes everywhere, on the streets, in classrooms and on stages. This programme showcases a myriad of Yangko forms, both on and off stage, including Northeastern Yanko, Shandong Yanko and Shanbei Yanko, each has its distinctive features. The stage presentations of the Northeastern Yanko titled Happy Snow choreographed by Wang Xiaoyan and performed by Ming Li of Shanghai Theatre Academy, and the Shandong Yanko named Blossoms of Mountain Flowers choreographed by Chi Hong and Miao Xiaolong and performed/produced by the Dance Department of Shanghai Normal University are stunning examples of this dance form. Show Less

Located in the southwest region of China, Dai people enjoy mild weather and beautiful landscapes of mountains and lakes. While the water splashing and dragon boating events held in their annual spring festival showcase the close ties between their culture and the land, the water running in the rivers and lakes has often been the inspiration for their dance creations. The dance presentation titled Playing with Water allows the audience to experience vicariously the heat of the sunlight and the crystal clear water streaming though the river. This dance captures the unique body movements of Dai Dance that reflects the cordial and gentle nature of this ethnic group. Show Less

Neighbouring with the Dai group, Aini group lives primarily in and around mountains and canyons at an altitude of twenty-five to eighty hundred feet. They are famous for their production of Pu-erh tea. Dancing and singing are second nature to the Aini people. In this programme, while listening to the folk song titled Magical Village by famous Aini singer Mi Xian, the audience will enjoy Aini cultural traditions of tea brewing and folk dancing by girls clapping to the rhythm and wearing spectacular ceremonial costumes. Show Less

This programme provides an overview of the historical development of Long Sleeve Dance, a dance form dating back to the 7th century BCE, a time that is known as the Spring-and-Autumn period in Chinese history. It introduces a some of the codified language of Long Sleeve Dance. Highlighted are the Long Sleeve Dance performances titled The Colours of Water choreographed by Wang Yukun and Miao Xiaolong and Zhao Jun Departs the Frontier choreographed by Jiang Huaxuan. In Zhao Jun Departs the Frontier, Liu Min, a nationally acclaimed dance master, employs exquisite language of Long Sleeve to convey the conflicted emotions of Zhao Jun (one of "The Four Beauties" known in Chinese History) as she leaves her homeland and lavish lifestyle for the grasslands of the remote north as part of peace treaty. The dance tells an ancient story of loyalty, heroism and self-sacrifice for the common good. Show Less

Dunhuang Dance is a form of Chinese dance that draws sources from body movements depicted in artefacts found in Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Located in Gansu Province of China, along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the seven hundred and thirty five caves are famous for their statues and fresco paintings, spanning 1,000 year of Buddhist art. Thousand Hand Guan Yin, a representative of Dunhuang Dance featured in this programme is a contemporary creation conceived by the renowned Chinese choreographer, Zhang Jigang, and produced by the China Disabled Performing Art Troupe. In this dance, a group of hearing-impaired dancers effectively utilise their body language to communicate the magic of "thousand hands" and hints at the deep meaning of Buddhism, its luminescence and boundless love. Show Less

Choreography by Stephen Page Produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2013. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegarang befriended the colony’s timekeeper, Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an extraordinary display of trust and friendship, which now inspires our imaginations about ‘first contact’. Show Less

Choreography by Frances Rings Produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2012. Described as a hymn to Country, 'Terrain' transports us to Lake Eyre, the place of Australia’s inland sea and one of the few untouched natural waterways in the world. Bangarra explores the relationship of Indigenous people to Country and how the landscape becomes a second kin. Show Less

WARNING: The final three dances of Mathinna - 'Convict', 'Moonshine' and 'Drowning' - deal with sexual abuse, alcohol abuse and death. Teachers are strongly advised to view the programme and use their discretion to determine the suitability of the programme for their students. Choreography by Stephen Page Produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2008. Inspired by a girl’s journey between two cultures, Mathinna traces the history of an Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life, adopted into Western Colonial society to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage. Mathinna became the archetype of the ‘stolen child’. Bangarra Dance Theatre recreates her powerful story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance. Show Less

Tap dancing is a popular dance style all around the world. This audible style of dance comes from the tapping sound made when the metal discs on the soles of the shoes hit a hard surface. The dancer is a percussive instrument, as the feet tap out intricate and lively rhythms. This programme is an introduction to simple tap steps which promote a sense of co-ordination and rhythm. By following the simple step instructions, students can gain an experience and understanding of the fundamentals of tap dancing movements. Show Less

This lively programme examines the rich history of dance in Australia; from Aboriginal dancing to the rise of ballet; from the influence of Robert Helpmann to the major role of today's contemporary dance companies in Australian identity. Australian dance is both fresh and passionate. Different cultures dance to celebrate their land, their myths and their identity. Australia is continually discovering new forms of self-expression through dance, in tune with the spirit of the landscape. Most importantly is that this evolution of dance is uniquely Australian. Show Less