Stories for Keeping Strong - Bangarra Rekindling

12th January, 2021    |    By  Beyond Blue    |     823

Beyond Blue collaborated with Bangarra Dance Theatre to develop this short film. The film features young people involved in the Bangarra Rekindling program and explores how dance and connection to culture has helped keep them healthy and strong.


Also check the related topics:  

Mental Health Mob Life

Video provided by Beyond Blue

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Video Transcription

Stories for Keeping Strong – Bangarra Rekindling

Hi, I’m Robert James Page, a Nywaigi and Mununjali man from Townsville, studying at Naisda Dance College.
I’m Tyrone Simkins, 19, from Inverell, near Moree and Tamworth.
And I’m Talia King, 14, from the Dharawal, Yuin, and Walbunja nations.

We’re all part of the Bangarra Rekindling Program, a journey of cultural reconnection and strength.

Rekindling: Reviving the Flame of Culture

Rekindling is about cultural grounding and resilience. It’s like nurturing embers of a fire, waiting for someone with passion and courage to breathe life back into them. This program brings young people together to rediscover and celebrate their culture.

At first, we were all a bit shy, sticking to small groups. But as we’ve shared stories, dances, and experiences, we’ve formed a strong, supportive community.

Learning Through Connection

For many of us, reconnecting with our culture wasn’t something we experienced in school. Through Rekindling, we’ve learned about:

  • Our Mob: Exploring our people, languages, and the lands we come from.
  • Elders’ Wisdom: Gaining stories and knowledge passed down orally, a tradition central to Aboriginal culture.

This has been especially powerful. Elders share knowledge that’s often not written down, helping us preserve and carry forward our cultural heritage.

Creating and Sharing Through Dance

In Rekindling, we’ve worked on repertoires and created new dances inspired by places like Killalea State Park. These dances let us express our connection to country and culture in powerful ways.

Talia shares:

“Every stomp, every bend—we could feel the presence of our spirits and elders. It was amazing to share that experience with our parents, elders, and community.”

A Journey of Growth and Strength

For Tyrone, the program has sparked a journey of self-discovery:

“I’m still searching for my mob and clan, but I know I’ll find them one day. Dancing and connecting with culture have become my life.”

For Robert, the program has been a source of resilience:

“I’ve faced challenges with mental health, but having a strong sense of community—family, friends, and culture—keeps me grounded. Dance is my way of staying strong.”

The Rekindling Spirit

Rekindling is more than a program; it’s a way to connect, grow, and find strength in culture and community. It’s about sharing who we are through dance, standing together, and honoring the spirits and elders who guide us.

Video by Beyond Blue