Clare is a proud Kamilaroi, Manandanji and Darkinjung woman who has lived on Gumbaynggirr Country for most of her life. Clare is in her second year at NAISDA studying for her Diploma. She started learning cultural dance at the age of four with cultural camps held at Scotts Head. Clare has been taught by professional choreographer Gloria Briggs, performing at various workshops and local festivals. In 2021 Clare joined Bellingen High Schools cultural group ‘Budabung Bari’ performing in festivals including ‘Saltwater Freshwater’, ‘The Kingship Festival’ and ‘Dance Rites’.
For the past 8 years Clare has trained and competed at Eisteddfods in jazz, Cecchetti ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip-hop. Clare has completed her Intermediate Cecchetti ballet exam. In November 2024 she was selected for the HSC Dance Showcase ‘Callback’ performing her Core Performance piece in February 2025. Clare was provided with many opportunities to perform with NAISDA in 2025, including Vivid, Newcastle University NAIDOC Performance and Echoing the Future in the Artistic Director Charles Koroneho’s piece.
While at NAISDA, Clare’s goal is to increase her cultural knowledge, strengthen her dance skills, and performance skills to provide more professional opportunities. Her long-term plans are to join a professional dance company after completing her studies such as Bangarra Dance Theatre or Sydney Dance Company.