The gallery was proud to partner with the PCYC to present three days of workshops teaching young participants about the world's oldest living culture.

Five primary schools along with youth groups in the area took the opportunity to have Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children learn new dance skills and build relationships

"A wonderful feature of the program was that Biripi Elders met with the Bangarra dancers to help tell traditional stories of the Manning Valley, so that they could be brought to life through their dance moves," said the gallery's public programs officer, Rachel Piercy.

The PCYC Taree Gymaroos, who will represent Australia at the 15th World Gymnaestrada Helsinki in July, worked on choreography with the Bangarra dancers to develop a local indigenous flavour for their international presentation.

"It was so exciting to have Bangarra Youth Program Director, Sidney Saltner and dance tutors Chantal Kerr and Patrick Thaiday visit Taree," said Gymaroos coach Sarah Hayes.

"Ever since my coach, Doreen Rayward-Wilson, began taking the Gymaroos overseas, it has always been as much about 'telling the story' as it is about gymnastics.

"I want to continue this tradition and I am honoured to have Bangarra Dance here to help us tell our story to the world."

Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia's leading performing arts companies producing contemporary Indigenous dance theatre performances.

Bangarra is committed to developing the next generation of Indigenous storytellers through mentoring and training young people.