Brolga Dance Academy

Brolga Dance AcademyBrolga Dance AcademyBrolga Dance Academy

Brolga Dance Academy

Brolga Dance AcademyBrolga Dance AcademyBrolga Dance Academy
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Brolga
    • Media Coverage
    • Accolades
    • Brolga Showcases
  • Dance Classes
  • Our Services
    • Live Performance
    • School Dance Program
    • Cultural Workshops
    • Artist Collaborations
    • Events
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Brolga
      • Media Coverage
      • Accolades
      • Brolga Showcases
    • Dance Classes
    • Our Services
      • Live Performance
      • School Dance Program
      • Cultural Workshops
      • Artist Collaborations
      • Events
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Brolga
    • Media Coverage
    • Accolades
    • Brolga Showcases
  • Dance Classes
  • Our Services
    • Live Performance
    • School Dance Program
    • Cultural Workshops
    • Artist Collaborations
    • Events
  • Contact Us

Brolga Dance Academy

 Brolga Dance Academy is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled dance school and studio, founded in 2020 by Gamilaroi and Murrawari woman Jodie Welsh — born and raised on Gadigal land in Redfern. Jodie’s skin name, Gunimaa, means “mother earth” in Gamilaraay, reflecting the deep cultural roots and connection that inspires our work. 


Built from respect, passion, and a long-standing commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts industry and community, Brolga Dance Academy is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of First Nations peoples through dance. We value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, culture, and people — their creativity, strength, and stories — and place our young people and culture at the heart of everything we do. 


Our academy provides a culturally safe space where Aboriginal students come together to connect deeply with their heritage, Country, and community through movement. We empower our young people to be storytellers, expressing culture through a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance styles, while nurturing their identity, confidence, and leadership. 


Brolga is committed to supporting personal and professional growth, offering students pathways to develop skills, enhance their wellbeing, and explore career opportunities within the performing arts. Our dedication was recognised in 2023 when we were awarded Sydney City Business of the Year in Performing Arts, and our Founder and Artistic Director, Jodie Welsh, was named Businessperson of the Year. 


The Brolga is one of Australia’s most iconic birds, holding deep significance in Aboriginal culture. Many traditional legends and dances are inspired by the Brolga’s graceful movements, which are renowned for their elaborate and elegant dances. In the Gamilaroi nation, the Brolga is the lore holder and creator of song and dance — a symbol of cultural knowledge and storytelling that guides our academy’s vision. 


Our logo, designed by proud First Nations artist Kaliela Thornton (descendant of Gamilaroi, Yuwaalaroi, Kooma, and Mandandangi peoples), reflects this heritage. It depicts Brolgas in dance, moving together with shared energy. The red shape represents a gathering place to shine. At the same time, the body markings signify ceremony points, spirit, and flow — symbolising the deep cultural connection embodied in every step our students take.


At Brolga Dance Academy, every movement is a celebration of culture, every story is passed through dance, and every student is nurtured to become a confident, culturally grounded leader and artist. We are proud to be a vibrant community hub where tradition meets creativity, and where Aboriginal culture continues to thrive and inspire.

Meet Our team

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

Founder & Artistic Director,

Junior Aboriginal Contemporary Teacher

Proud Gamilaroi and Murrwari Woman

Amy Johnson

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

Senior Aboriginal Contemporary & Brolga Elite's Teacher

Descendant of the Turrabal people and is a proud Jagera Woman,

David Clarke

Jodie Choolburra-Welsh

David Clarke

Traditional Dance Teacher

Proud Ngemba man

Tynga Williams

Operations Assistant,Brolga  Elite's & Torres Strait Islander Dance Teacher

Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, Torres Strait Islander, and Noongar descendant

Henrietta Baird

Henrietta Baird

Henrietta Baird

Junior Aboriginal Contemporary Teacher

A proud descendant of the Kuku Yalanji people in Far North Queensland

Majeda Beatty

Henrietta Baird

Henrietta Baird

Torres Strait Islander Facilitator

A proud Wuthathi (Shellburne Bay) and Torres Strait Islander woman from Moa Island and Darnley (Erub) Island

Jacqui Jarrett

Henrietta Baird

Jacqui Jarrett

Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor 

A proud Dharawal, Gadigal and Gumbaynggirr woman

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