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Journeys

Inspirations and Explorations: future moves with Tara Robertson

  • 19 April 2019
  • Tamrookum

Bangarra has nurtured the careers of over 110 dance artists, providing an environment for dancers to work in celebration of movement, art, storytelling and First Nations’ cultures. Some Bangarra dancers work with the company for a couple of years and others, a couple of decades. It is exciting to discover the new pathways people seed, after their careers within the company, as they nurture new - and often unexpected - directions.

After dancing with the company for 8 years and recently retiring from Bangarra, Tara Robertson shares her current inspirations and explorations.

I have a burning desire for continuous growth and creativity.
Tara Robertson

I danced with Bangarra for 8 years. I was honoured to celebrate the rich depth of Australian Indigenous cultures through the medium of dance, and to share these significant understandings within Australia, internationally and within our First Nations communities, on Country. Through this beautiful journey, I worked to cultivate the unique dance language that defines Bangarra – a language steeped in cultural history. This form of expression is instantly recognisable and easily communicates and translates to a diversity of audiences.

My time with Bangarra enabled me to find my voice in addressing current social and political First Nations’ issues and I believe that this empowers not only myself as an Indigenous woman and artist, but also our communities. Whilst with Bangarra, I found regional touring an important part of my work. I especially loved connecting with youth in isolated parts of the country. I see this work as invaluable; it can unravel inspiration within the next generation and help spark future journeys which may have previously been unimaginable. I believe that teaching is learning and I have always had a passion to pass on knowledge for the next generation – to nurture talent and creativity.

Every year Bangarra programs a Return to Country performance and shares workshops with this particular community – something that also nurtured and continues to underpin my dance artistry. I am deeply thankful for the generosity of those peoples with whom Bangarra has fostered family ties; my respect for the peoples’ stories that are passed on to Bangarra and the company dancers is immense. If we did not have the trust and support of these cultural consultants, and the deeply respectful relationships with these people, Bangarra could not be what it is today.

Tara Robertson in 'Spirit' from 'Sheoak', Photography Greg Barrett, 2015
Dance Artists Tara Robertson and Waangenga Blanco in 'Lust' from 'Brolga', Photography Daniel Boud, 2018
Bangarra Workshops In Dhalinbuy, Bangarra, photography Tiffany Parker, 2014
Bangarra On Country In Dhalinybuy, photography Jacob Nash, 2014
Bangarra Workshop at Yirrkala Schoo, photography Tiffany Parker, 2014

I have a burning desire for continuous growth and creativity. After leaving the company, I continue my practice as a dance artist, storyteller and movement-maker. I am busy pursuing different perspectives, gaining fresh insights and generating further growth; I am questioning and analysing what makes my artistry important, and how it can contribute to this country.

I ultimately aim to create a dance language that is unique to my heritage and unique to me.
Tara Robertson rehearsing Bennelong, Photography Tiffany Parker, 4 May 2017

I am constantly exploring - defining and redefining my body’s movement. Within my dance practice, I scrutinise the idea that, what we carry within ourselves, subconsciously, we express through a personal and idiosyncratic dance language. I believe that our perception and ideas, and our creation of art, is highly influenced by not only our country’s values but also our cultural background, childhood, gender, race, friends, family, trauma and triumphs. Our impetus and our responses to creative tasking are laden with our body’s history and identity.

Self-driven in my pursuit, I am searching for a ‘truer, authentic self – a new integrity from which 'unlearned' movement can evolve. Through analysis and a stripping away of layers, I hope to discover a deeper understanding of the body and how it can be liberated from its accumulated knowledge.

For me, these are big objectives ... and I’m at the start of this journey. I ultimately aim to create a dance language that is unique to my heritage and unique to me.

Tara Robertson performing Yolngu Bungul Djama - traditional dances from North East Arnhem Land with cultural consultant Djakapurra Munyarryun, Bangarra Celebrates 25 Years outdoor Sydney Opera House performance, Photography Jacob Williams, 2014

Story by Tara Robertson

Article by Yolande Brown

Tara Robertson

Dance Artist (Alumni)

Tara completed a Bachelor of Dance Performance at the Adelaide Centre of the Arts. After freelancing from 2007-10, Tara joined Bangarra Dance Theatre as a Dance Artist and was honoured to celebrate the rich depth of Australian Indigenous cultures through the medium of dance, and to share these significant cultural stories within Australia, internationallym and within First Nations communities on Country.

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