We are delighted to announce Brooklyn Bond as the recipient of the LGI First Nations Graduate Internship 2026, in collaboration with NAISDA and Joel Bray Dance.
This paid internship offers a unique program of professional development opportunities for a NAISDA graduate. The program provides a comprehensive experience that includes a two-week paid secondment with LGI and Joel Bray Dance, attendance at industry events, and active participation in Melbourne’s vibrant dance community. This internship aims to provide an enriching introduction to the life of an independent dance artist.
The program is created in collaboration with NAISDA and Joel Bray Dance, reflecting a shared vision of creating new avenues for emerging First Nations dance artists to forge successful careers in the industry. The collaboration celebrates and nurtures the immense talent and creativity of First Nations dancers.
About Brooklyn Bond
Brooklyn Bond is an Aboriginal woman from the Yorta Yorta, Latji Latji and Dja Dja Wurrung clans. Born in Goondiwindi (Bigambul Country) and raised across Goondiwindi, Warwick and Greater Brisbane/Ipswich (Bigambul, Bundjalung and Yuggera Countries).
Brooklyn began training in a local dance studio in Warwick, being introduced to Ballet and Jazz between the early ages of 3-6. Continuing her training through school troupe’s, attending local competitions and even extending to a one-week secondment in Melbourne taking class with studios and training organisations such as the Jason Coleman’s: Ministry of Dance. Attending the Bangarra youth program held in Cherbourg in 2019, She then went on to pursue full-time dance training at NAISDA. Brooklyn received awards in Certificate III and Advanced Diploma in music production, providing free-lance services and choreographic presentation. Brooklyn graduated NAISDA in June of 2025 holding an Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Recently, Brooklyn performed among the opening ceremonies of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) choreographed by Beau Dean-Riley Smith. She currently works across regional Brisbane to teach her awarded choreographic dance cycle ‘Bayadherra’ originally debuting at the Wyong Art House as part of her final assessment for NAISDA. Through her training, Brooklyn has had the privilege to work and train among many artists and mentors such as Jo Clancy, Stu Mcminn, Thomas E.S Kelly, Alfred Taahi, Dr. Nerida Blair, Deon Hastie, Vicki Van Hout, Jasmine Gulash, Katina Olsen, Jasmin Sheppard, Kerrie Smith, Vanessa Ziesing, Chima Valavanis, Nicola Sabatino, Sophia Ndaba, Angie Diaz, Josh Thomson, Heather Mitjangba, Tony Ganambarr, Marcus Lacey, Berthalia Selina Reuben and Aba Bero.
Thank you
This program would not be possible without the support of WXYZ Studios. Thank you also to Australasian Dance Collective for hosting Brooklyn’s secondment week with Joel Bray Dance.
