This paid internship offers a tailored program of professional opportunities for a recent graduate from NAISDA Dance College. Over a four-week period, the internship may include participating in LGI rehearsals and studio programs, attending industry events, and engaging with the local dance scene. Supported throughout by Amrita Hepi as First Nations mentor, this internship aims to offer an introduction to life as an independent dance artist in Melbourne.
“I feel really grateful to have this opportunity to travel to Melbourne to work with Lucy Guerin’s company—to gain first-hand experience of how she works as a choreographer, and to learn new ways of working and moving. This internship will help inspire my future work as a dancer, choreographer and art maker.”
– Shana O’Brien
This internship is part of an ongoing partnership between LGI and NAISDA Dance College, reflecting a shared vision to create new career opportunities for emerging First Nations dance artists. The partnership also includes an annual secondment program for NAISDA Advanced Diploma students.
About Shana O’Brien
Shana is a dancer and visual artist who calls Darkinjung Country her home. She is a graduate of NAISDA Dance College and senior dancer with Wagana, sharing and learning with community and performing at national and international festivals and events. Shana has performed with Jannawi Dance clan, Erth Visual and Physical Inc, as well as with Atamira Dance Company on their remount of Shapeshift by Frances Rings. She also worked with Anishnaabe choreographer Waawaate Forbister as part of the 2019 Intercultural Indigenous Choreographic lab at the Banff Centre, Canada. In 2021 Shana premiered her first work in development Waterholes at Yellamundie Festival, as a part of Sydney Festival. An interest in mix-media works lead her commence a Bachelor of Visual Arts last year which she plans to incorporate into her choreographic practice.
The first year of this program has been generously supported by the Linnell/Hughes Trust. Lucy Guerin Inc is also supported by the City of Melbourne, Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. NAISDA Dance College is proudly supported by the Australian Government and the NSW Government.
