Bangarra Dance Theatre to Bring SPIRIT to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 2 & 6

Under the Artistic Direction of Stephen Page, Australia's leading Indigenous performing arts company Bangarra Dance Theatre is thrilled to announce it will perform in Vietnam as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.

The tour is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia International Cultural Council, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr Hugh Borrowman, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam said, "The partnership between Australia and Vietnam is marked by friendship and cooperation in many areas. The 40th Anniversary celebrations will showcase Australia's creativity and diversity and will create a platform for future exchange and collaboration. We are excited that Bangarra will be launching these celebrations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City."

Vietnamese audiences will experience an outstanding performance of Indigenous contemporary dance theatre as well as a cultural exchange program of workshops and activities, deepening both countries' understanding of their connections between culture, land and people.

'Bangarra is the perfect Australian cultural export as a world-class performing ensemble with unique content that draws on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander idioms. We are inspired by the spirit of this land and its peoples.' says Bangarra's Executive Director, Catherine Baldwin.

Choreographed by Stephen Page and Frances Rings, Spirit features treasured moments from Bangarra's internationally acclaimed repertoire, weaving storytelling, dance, theatre and music into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Kathy Balngayngu Marika, a senior woman from Yirrkala, North East Arnhem and Bangarra artist-in residence features with the all-Indigenous dance ensemble.

With airfares generously sponsored by Qantas and Vietnam Airlines, Spirit will be performed at the Hanoi Opera House on 2 March and then at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House on 6 March 2013.

As well as performing for distinguished guests, Bangarra dancers will take part in workshops with the Vietnam Dance College and the Hanoi Youth Theatre and participate in masterclasses with the Vietnam Opera and Ballet.

Prior to returning home to Sydney, Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre will host a workshop and masterclass at the prestigious Bangkok Dance Academy. The Academy is one of Thailand's leading dance schools.

Visit Bangarra's website to subscribe to Bangarra's Songlines e-newsletter: www.bangarra.com.au. Or find the group on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bangarra and YouTube: www.youtube.com/bangarradancetheatre.