Our Early Voices | Sylvia Blanco

It was a deep privilege for Frances Rings to sit with one of her earliest role models, Sylvia Blanco, a Kaantju/Wik-Mungtan woman through her mother’s side and Yadhaigam and Torres Strait Islander through her father’s side. Sylvia reflects on the passion, determination and cultural and political leadership that shaped Bangarra’s founding years, sharing the struggles, triumphs and people who helped forge the company’s journey. Her love for Bangarra remains as strong today as when she danced with the company in its first year, and it was an honour to introduce her to our current dancers and hear how Bangarra’s spirit continues to burn brightly, connecting us all.