SIDNEY SALTNER

MENTOR | dance

Sidney Saltner, Youth Program Director at Bangarra Dance Theatre, descends from the Wulli Wulli and Wakka Wakka people of central Queensland and his creative journey reflects a profound commitment to his Indigenous roots. In the world of dance, he is a legend with an unwavering dedication to nurturing the talents of the next generation. From the dusty plains of rural Queensland to the prestigious stages of the world, Sidney's story embodies resilience, passion, and the transformative power of artistic expression.

Born and raised amid the rugged landscapes of central Queensland, Sidney's early years were market by a distinct absence of artistic outlets. "I grew up in rural Central Queensland around Moura, Biloela, and Theodore,” he says. “There wasn't much in the way of the arts in schools or the town; it was very much about sporting communities." However, amid the arid terrain, a spark was ignited within Sidney – an innate yearning for self-expression and creativity that found its outlet in dance. 

"I was first captivated by the arts through a school play I attended in grade one at Moura Primary,” he says, tracing the origins of his lifelong love affair with movement and rhythm. “Later, I participated in several school end-of-year performances in Biloela. Dance was my primary attraction."

The pivotal moment in Sidney's artistic journey arrived with his enrollment at a boarding school in Warwick, Queensland. Here Sidney found solace and joy in the freedom of expression that dance provided. "My friend and I used to choreograph dances for the school's performance nights," he recalls fondly, underscoring the profound impact of these formative experiences. Fuelled by a burning passion for dance and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Sidney embarked on a transformative journey that would see him emerge as one of Australia's most esteemed dancers and mentors.

Sidney's illustrious career is punctuated by a series of remarkable achievements, including five years of study at dance college, joining the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre Company (AIDT) for six years, including three years as Assistant Director, before joining Bangarra Dance Theatre.

However, for Sidney, dance transcends mere accolades and accomplishments; it is a source of profound personal fulfillment and empowerment. "I was a very shy kid and didn't talk much,” he says. “Dance gave me the freedom to express myself and build my confidence. It has allowed me to travel the world in a career I love."

Drawing inspiration from his rich cultural heritage, Sidney finds purpose in sharing Indigenous stories through dance. "When I was dancing on stage, I drew inspiration from myriad traditional and contemporary stories we were able to convey from the diverse communities across Australia," he explains, highlighting the profound impact of these narratives on his artistic practice.

Today, as a mentor and teacher, Sidney's inspiration stems from the young people he guides towards a future in the arts, filling the void that he experienced during his own upbringing. "As a teacher and mentor, I draw inspiration from the many youths I have had the pleasure to teach and give them some guidance to a future career in the arts, something that was missing when I went to school," underscoring the profound significance of his role in shaping the next generation of Indigenous artists.

For aspiring dancers, Sidney offers sage advice: "Be humble. Set yourself goals. Never give up. Push yourself, even when you fail, as you will learn valuable lessons and insights."

Sidney Saltner's journey is evidence of the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative potential of dance. As he continues to empower Indigenous youth through his work at Bangarra Dance Theatre, his legacy of hope and inspiration will inspire the many generations to come.

WRITTEN BY JACK BAILEY