General News
23 August, 2026
Maria shines brightly for Indigenous youth
INNISFAIL-based Indigenous dancer Maria Martin is urging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to apply for the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association’s (NAISDA) 2027 intake with the launch of a new course aimed at those interested in live performance production.
Ms Martin started dancing in 2019 and is currently studying at NAISDA. She performed in NAISDA’S 2024 production ‘The Trees have Voices, the Feet have Ears’ directed by Vicki Van Hout, featuring in Glory Tuohy-Daniell’s remount of ‘Keeping Grounded’ and Henrietta Baird’s ‘Smoke’.
Ms Martin has also taken part in masterclasses hosted by Alvin Rangel specialising in Horton Technique, Karul Projects, Australian Dance Theatre (ADT), CIRCA and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Her highlights include NAISDAs 2025 end of year show ‘Echoing the future’ directed by Charles Koroneho. Recently she was announced as a ‘leg upper’ for ‘Legs on The Wall for 2026.
Ms Martin is working towards completing her Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at NAISDA and aspires to work alongside Australia’s leading arts industry and dance artists.
NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said it would open NAISDA to mob interested in careers across the performing arts.
“We know there are young people out there who are passionate about the arts, but don’t necessarily see themselves as dancers or choreographers,” he said.
“Obviously that’s how NAISDA started, but as we celebrate 50 years we look to the future and are expanding our curriculum.”
Applications for the 2027 intake are now open and will close on 31 August 2026.
Interested young people can find out more or apply at www.observer.s.gy/DyRBwf
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