A new double bill of works by Bangarra Dance Theatre combines the gently political with pure joy and optimism.
First-time choreographers involved in the second piece said for all the extra workload, they're gaining much more than they're giving.
The seeds of a Sheoack, or Grandmother tree, start searching for new grounds.
Through their bodies, 16 dancers evoke this symbol of shelter, medicine and protection says Frances Rings, a choreographer with Bangarra.
“The way we vision, and the lens through which Indigenous Australians see the natural world, offers so much more,” she said.
“That's something we want to share with the current state of the climate”.
This new work by Bangarra Dance Theatre has another message.
As the tree is endangered, so are many other things.
“Everyday languages are endangered, every day with the passing of an elder, there's lore and knowledge and so much of our culture that is lost,” said Ms Rings.
In contrast the work IBIS which shares the bill is an uplifting, celebratory piece.
IBIS stands for Island Board of Industry and Services - local stores on some islands of the Torres Strait, said choreographer Deborah Brown
“What would be like the sort of perfect day, the sun shining, out of monsoon season,” she said.
“I think it's in all islanders DNA to have this infectious laughter and this sort of infectious good vibe about them.”
For the IBIS choreographers, it's their first ever work, but Bangarra is used to nurturing and encouraging the new generation of storytellers.
Senior dancer Waniga says juggling two jobs has taught him patience and a new appreciation of backstage operations.
It's also taught him more about himself.
“I'm continually learning about myself and my culture within this company, and I think a lot of people come to the company with the same intention,” said Waniga.
The double bill opens in Sydney tomorrow - before a national tour.
