Balar Diburr Performance and Showcase

This contemporary-ballet duet tells a story of growth and resilience through the journey of the balar diburr (bernie bean), a native seed from the rainforest lands of Kubirri (Mossman, North Queensland).  

Guided by the wisdom of animals and shaped by its journey through land and water, Balar gains the strength to step beyond its comfort zone and find its purpose, identity, and legacy.  

Grounded in First Nations storytelling and cultural knowledge, Balar Diburr invites young audiences to reflect on change, perseverance and finding one’s place in the world. 

Story, Music, Weaving : Jankaji Ngadijina - Merindi Schrieber (Kuku Yalanji: Kubirriwarra, Julaywarra) 

Cultural and Language Advisor : Dimurr - Daphne Naden (Kuku Yalanji: Kubirriwarra, Julaywarra) 

Props : Burri Kari - Kubirriwarra (Kuku Yalanji) 

Costume Artwork - Walbul Walbul (Naurita Briscoe) (Kuku Yalanji: Kubirriwarra, Julaywarra) 

Music and choreography : Troy Schrieber (Kungganji, Kuku Yalanji) 

Choreography : Chantelle van der Hoek 

This performance is included as part of The Australian Ballet's school holiday workshops. After four days of immersive workshops, where children explored dance exercises and learned choreography, the students will perform on the main stage, followed immediately by this captivating duet performed by professional dancers from The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team.