NAISDA has long been the national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts education – a dynamic training organisation where emerging First Nations artists gain the skills, confidence and inspiration to forge successful careers in the performing arts.
At the heart of NAISDA’s successful learning model, is a passionate team of staff and trainers – including Katina Olsen. A celebrated Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri dancer and choreographer with a distinguished arts career spanning nearly two decades.
Now stepping into a new role as NAISDA’s Dance Practice Lead and Senior Contemporary Dance Trainer, Katina is bringing her experience, knowledge and creativity to guide the next generation of First Nations dancers.
A long-standing connection to NAISDA
For Katina, joining NAISDA felt like the natural evolution of her professional journey. A long-standing connection with the organisation stretches back over 14 years. During which time she had revisited the college in many guises including as guest teacher, artist-in-residence and key collaborator on projects such as NAISDA’s annual creative partnership with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
Katina’s dance career has been expansive, encompassing four years as a company dancer with the legendary Bangarra Dance Theatre and 14 as an independent artist. When the opportunity arose to step into the NAISDA role, she knew the time was right to dedicate her focus and energy with NAISDA fulltime.
“As a freelancer, you’re often touring and sharing knowledge in different places. I was excited about the idea of staying in one space, building upon what I teach and seeing it grow over time.”
Now as NAISDA leader, trainer and mentor, Katina creates space for young artists to learn, collaborate and develop their own creative styles, perspectives and cultural narratives.
A journey of passion and dedication
Born in Rockhampton on Darumbal Country, Katina’s passion for dance began early. She grew up immersed in ballet, tap, and jazz, performing in school eisteddfods, which would set the stage for her future career.
At 14, she was accepted into the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, balancing full-time dance training with the final years of high school. Her initial dreams of becoming a ballerina, shifted when she discovered contemporary dance and her true artistic calling.
After graduating Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Katina joined Bangarra Dance Theatre at just 19, working alongside the renowned Frances Rings – also a NAISDA graduate and now Bangarra’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO. Over four whirlwind years Katina toured, performed and immersed herself in Indigenous contemporary dance as a company dancer, before continuing her career as an independent dance artist.
In 2011 she was awarded the prestigious danceWEB scholarship in Vienna, one of only two Australians selected. This reinforced a long-held passion to choreograph. In high demand, Katina has since been commissioned by leading dance companies as well as co-founding the Dance Makers Collective.
The role of Dance Practice Lead at NAISDA
As NAISDA’s Dance Practice Lead, Katina bridges the gap between real world industry experience and training, ensuring NAISDA students are fully equipped for careers in the sector.
“I’ve learned so much, both in refining my own skills and understanding how to use this knowledge to best upskill students. NAISDA encourages staff to stay active in the industry, benefiting students by keeping training relevant and aligned with industry standards.”
Katina shares the Dance Practice Lead role with Jasmin Sheppard, a Tagalaka Aboriginal woman with Irish, Chinese and Hungarian ancestry. Jasmin is also a highly acclaimed contemporary dancer, choreographer and director. The dual role reflects NAISDA’s commitment to flexible employment and valuing of industry-experienced mentorship.
For staff and students alike, hours of intensive studio training culminate each year in NAISDA’s performance seasons, offering students the opportunity to showcase talent, culture, storytelling and gain valuable industry exposure.
“I feel a responsibility as an artist to highlight and share our First Nations’ stories that have been silenced over the years. I want to encourage young artists to find their voice, embrace their uniqueness and use dance as a means of storytelling and self-expression.”
NAISDA’s curriculum is the only one of its kind in Australia. Deeply connected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, culture and people, it embeds the richness and complexity of Indigenous Knowings within a western framework of excellence.
At the heart of this approach is NAISDA’s annual Cultural Residency Program where students travel to experience cultural learning on Country with Cultural Tutors, Knowledge Holders and communities on the lands where songs, stories and dances originated.
It’s an immersive learning experience that stays with the students forever.
Katina – and NAISDA’s – future
Looking ahead, Katina is excited about the future – both for herself and NAISDA. With NAISDA’s 50th anniversary fast approaching next year, she is eager to contribute to the milestone celebrations, as well as the organisation’s focus for the next 50 years.
“NAISDA’s vision is inspiring. We’re always dreaming big and striving to provide the best training for our students. Bringing in leading industry artists for residencies allows students to work with potential future employers while still in training.”
For Katina, NAISDA is more than a job; it’s a dream role where she plays a key part in the personal and professional success of graduates and students. Their exceptional achievements and high completion rates are well above national averages and reflect NAISDA’s elite training and support programs, guided by a First Nations approach to social and emotional wellbeing.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be in this position, to be inspired daily by students, and to be part of an institution that truly values its artists, staff and their development. Together we’re contributing to shaping and creating the next generation of First Nations artists, and the future of the sector itself.”
A leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative and cultural education
NAISDA has a strong foundation for long-term sustainability. Last year’s funding uplift by the Federal Government addressed historic underfunding and backed a commitment to equitable access to creative and cultural arts education. NAISDA’s future-focused strategy is well under way, including an expanded curriculum to meet sector needs, an increased cohort, and redefined campus and staffing structure.
Reflecting on her own experience, and with further recruitment opportunities available, Katina has a message to others who might be considering NAISDA as their next workplace
“NAISDA is growing, and so is our national and international impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re looking for professionals, educators, mentors and trainers who are passionate about the future of First Nations art, culture and learning. Come on board on be part of the change. We can’t wait for you to be part of the NAISDA family!”