Nineteen-year-old Kamilaroi performer Aurielle Smith has secured a place in the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive in New York City, one of the world’s best-known elite dance training programs.
Smith is believed to be the first Aboriginal student from Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year to attend the program, marking a significant milestone for the young artist as she continues to build a multi-faceted career in dance, music and performance.
Currently a Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year student, Smith has already developed an impressive profile as a performer. A GO Foundation Scholar for the past five years, she has balanced her training and studies with professional commercial work, including television advertising campaigns and musical performance engagements to help fund her tuition.
Her vocal work has also seen her perform alongside major Australian artists, including guest appearances with Kate Miller-Heidke and support slots for Amy Shark and Lime Cordiale.
Smith, who was nominated for the 2026 NSW Young Woman of the Year, says the opportunity is closely connected to both her cultural identity and her long-term artistic goals.
“Culture and connection to Country is the heart of everything I do. I stand on the shoulders of the greats who carved this path for me and I’m so proud to be the first Aboriginal Pre-Professional Year student to attend this program in NYC,” she said.
Her acceptance into the Ailey program is another step towards her ambition of one day dancing with Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Smith’s story is also one of remarkable resilience. After the sudden loss of her father when she was eight, she found in performance, training and culture a framework for expression and healing. Alongside her artistic achievements, she was also an HSC Honour Roll student.
Sani Townson, Bangarra Dance Theatre Youth and Education Programs Co-ordinator, who has worked with Smith for more than five years, described her as an exceptional young artist.
“Aurielle is a truly rare artist, exemplifying all that a choreographer seeks, both in performance and professional conduct,” Townson said.
Smith has also been recognised through awards including the Nanga Mai and Cecile Hardy Drama Prize, and has performed for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Her selection for the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive places her among a global cohort of emerging dancers and marks an exciting next chapter for one of Australia’s rising young First Nations performers.