New First Nations dance ensemble delivering opportunities
The Karul Projects Dance Theatre will launch its inaugural First Nations dance ensemble on July 6, coinciding with NAIDOC Week and its 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
Four First Nations artists Glory Tuohy-Daniell, Keia McGrady, Olivia Adams and Brooklyn Bond will join the Gold Coast-based performing arts company as founding members of a permanent ensemble – a first for First Nations dance artists outside a major performing arts organisation in Australia.
Under the direction of Artistic Director, Thomas E.S. Kelly (Minjungbal, Wiradjuri, Ni-Vanuatu) and Associate Artistic Director Taree Sansbury (Kaurna, Narrunga, Ngarrindjeri), the artists will develop a growing program of new work creation, touring and cultural collaboration.
The ensemble represents a rare employment model within Australia’s small-to-medium arts sector. To Karul’s knowledge, it is the first resident ensemble of First Nations dance artists established outside one of Australia’s major performing arts organisations.
Karul Projects Dance Theatre was founded on a clear belief: First Nations stories belong at the centre of Australian contemporary dance, and that First Nations artists deserve real careers in the sector that celebrates them.
Mr Kelly said the ensemble delivered on a vision he and Ms Sansbury had held since establishing Karul in 2017.
“Taree and I built Karul Projects Dance Theatre because we wanted to provide opportunities for First Nations artists both on and off the stage. When we graduated and embarked on our professional careers, these opportunities were rare and difficult to secure,” he said.
Now, we can support artists to perform at the highest level, telling more First Nations stories, and supporting First Nations artistry and individual development.”
The launch comes during a significant year for First Nations dance and cultural leadership. In 2026, both NAIDOC Week and NAISDA Dance College, where Mr Kelly and Ms Sansbury trained, are celebrating 50-year milestones.
“The establishment of Karul’s salaried ensemble is one of the most significant milestones for First Nations contemporary dance in Australia in a generation,” he said.
“Since the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre wound up in 1998, we have not seen another First Nations contemporary dance ensemble providing sustained paid employment for dancers at this scale.
“This achievement is a testament to Thomas E.S. Kelly and Taree Sansbury’s extraordinary vision, persistence and leadership. Their belief that regional First Nations communities can be home to world-class contemporary dance has never wavered, and this ensemble is the result of that long-term vision becoming reality.”
Kim Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NAISDA said it was wonderful to see the birth of a new ensemble.
“It gives our students a great opportunity to further their careers after completing their studies at NAISDA. This is an important milestone for Karul, its dancers and the sector.”
