Brolga Dance Academy is an Aboriginal owned and controlled business being an Aboriginal Dance School built from deep respect, passion, desire and a long-standing commitment in the Aboriginal performing arts industry and community. Founded in 2020 by Gamilaroi and Murrawari woman Jodie Choolburra-Welsh, who was born and raised on Gadigal land in Redfern. Jodie's skin name is Gunimaa meaning "mother earth" in Gamilaraay.
We value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, culture, communities and people – their passions, their creativity, and their commitment. Brolga Dance Academy brings a familiar perspective to representation that upholds our belief that our young people and culture are the most important part of our business and future. As a result, we provide a culturally safe space for our young people to be storytellers through body movement using fused traditional and contemporary styles. Furthermore, we provide professional development and career pathway opportunities to our students.
Brolga Dance Academy is 2023 Sydney City Business of the Year in Performing Arts, and our Founder/Artistic Director Jodie Choolburra-Welsh is Business Person of the Year.
The Brolga is one of the most iconic birds. A number of traditional Aboriginal legends and dances are associated with the Brolga, and use movements that mimick their graceful performances. Brolgas are renowned for their elaborate dances, and we aim to be renown for our elaborate, unique and memorable dancers and stories.
In the Gamilaroi nation the Brolga is he Lore holder and creator of song and dance.
THE STORY BEHIND OUR LOGO:
The Brolga's are in dance movement, working with each others energy. The red image above is a place of gathering to shine. The markings on the body signify ceremony points of movement in the body and the spirit and flow. Our logo was designed by Kaliela Thornton , a descendant of the Gamilaroi, Yuwaalaroi, Kooma and Mandandangi people. A proud First Nation's artist and business owner of Maaya-li Dhawun Creations.
Founder & Artistic Director
Proud Gamilaroi and Murrwari Woman
Operations Assistant, Senior Aboriginal Contemporary & Elite Teacher
Descendant of the Turrabal people and is a proud Jagera Woman,
Traditional Dance Teacher
Proud Ngemba man
Junior Aboriginal Contemporary Teacher
Proud Kaanju (Cape York) and Wagadagam Woman from Mabuyag Island (Torres Strait Islands)
Elite & Traditional Torres Strait Islander Dance Teacher
Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, Torres Strait Islander, and Noongar descendant
Traditional Dance Teacher
Proud Murrawari Man
Torres Strait Islander Facilitator
A proud Wuthathi (Shellburne Bay) and Torres Strait Islander woman from Moa Island and Darnley (Erub) Island
Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor
A proud Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr woman
Junior Aboriginal Contemporary Teacher
A proud descendant of the Kuku Yalanji people in Far North Queensland
Traditional & Aboriginal Contemporary Facilitator
A proud Gamilaroi and Murrawari woman
Traditional Dance Facilitator
A proud Weilan and Gamilaroi man.
Traditional & Aboriginal Contemporary Facilitator
A proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman