Moree Secondary College (MSC) held the first of three student gatherings with the Bangarra Dance Theatre recently and 43 students took part.

"It was the introduction to the company's youth 'Rekindling' program and was a taster for the course," said MSC dance teacher Jessica Gatt.

"The students did some aboriginal dance technique and learned some of the final dance routine which is based on the four elements."

The initiative was launched by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander modern dance company in 2013 to inspire pride, kinship and a sense of strength in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through a series of dance residencies with secondary school-aged students.

Communities are chosen based on their interest in supporting the program and Moree was one of the first to participate.

"Moree Secondary College first worked with the Bangarra Dance Company in 2013 and we are fortunate enough to get the opportunity again," said Ms Gatt.

"Each year schools from around Australia nominate themselves to have this wonderful program come to their community and in 2020 our school was one of only three schools nationally to be selected to be a part of the 2021 Rekindling program."

Next week, the students will go out on country to learn local stories with Gamilaraay elders.

"Students will then workshop and develop their own dance which is inspired by those stories and those experiences," Ms Gatt said.

"In between each of the three gatherings with the Bangarra Dance Theatre the students will rehearse with me and workshop with various community groups before the final performance on May 7."

In a first for the program - the school music teacher Mr Leigh Carroll and his students will help compose the music for the dance - joining the group on country as well.

Most future workshops will be held at the Shae Academy run by local performing artist Shae Duncan, and a workshop will also be held at the Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) to create artwork inspired by the on country gathering to incorporate into the dance routine.

"It is very important having Shae involved as she is so familiar to the students," Ms Gatt said.

There was a community workshop involving all stakeholders last week at the Moree Cultural Centre and then there are three gatherings in total with the students , the Bangarra Dance Theatre and various members of the local community.

Many representatives were involved at last week's community engagement session including local Woolworths store manager Kylie Heffernan (who is supplying healthy snacks and lunchs), Miyaya Birray (who are assisting with transport).

All of these organisations are donating their time, spaces and resources and we as a school community are very grateful for their support in this program," Ms Gatt said.

"It is through this program we as a school community would like to enhance our community connections to make our learning more meaningful.

"We are so fortunate to have received a lot of support from the community already.

"We have some great sponsors such as Shae Academy, Woolworths, Miyay Birray, BAMM, Moree Plains Shire Council, Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and the Local Aboriginal Land Council."

Bangarra Dance Theatres youth program Rekindling is designed to inspire and develop the next generation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander storytellers by using dance to connect with their rich cultural heritage.

Students will be mentored and trained by Bangarras Youth Program Team, Sidney Saltner (Bangarra Youth Program Director) and Sani Townson (Bangarra Youth Program Coordinator).

Participants gather stories, songs and dances from within their communities to create and present a live dance performance telling their stories, their way.

As part of this program students also work closely with the Elders of Moree where Bangarra will assist in developing these relationships to pass down cultural knowledge, traditions, and heritage.

"This program is an amazing opportunity for the students at Moree Secondary College because they get to not only work with and learn from the one of the best Aboriginal Dance Companies - Bangarra Dance Theatre, they also get to connect with the Aboriginal elders from their own community here in Moree," said Ms Gatt.

"This is program is all about passing down cultural knowledge, heritage and stories and creating community connections to inspire and educate our youth for the future.

"This is so important because it goes beyond the classroom into lifelong learning."

Ms Gatts Year 7 class enjoyed the introductory experience and all the opportunities it presented.

"Tuesday was a fun day," said Ngateika Tighe.

"I was so excited I got to meet the Bangarra Dance Company teachers. My favourite part of the day was getting to come up with our dance movements. I got to show some leadership skills."

But it was also tiring according to some other students.

"I really enjoyed the workshop but the following day I was pretty sore from using different muscles to what I usually use," said Jardie Smith-Brown.

"My favourite activity was when all the boys got together and did their own dance."