It was founded by African American dancer and choreographer Carole Y. Johnson, Gumbaynggirr man Rob Bryant, and South African-born Cheryl Stone.

It was to establish a school to give academic qualifications, and train dancers as members of a student and graduate performing company that would also teach.

[6] It would further provide a path for the dancers to other dance-related areas, including choreography, tour management, and all front and back of house skills.

[12] Dark Emu was co-created by Stephen Page with former Bangarra dancers Daniel Riley and Yolande Brown,[13] inspired by Bruce Pascoe's book of the same name.

[14] In 2019, the company marked its thirtieth anniversary with the launch of a digital archive and exhibition called Knowledge Ground.

It tells the story of the South Australian town of Ooldea, which was settled in the early 20th century as it was close to the water source known as "Yooldil Kapi" by the Aboriginal groups who lived in the area, including the Kokatha, Mirning, and Wirangu peoples.

The creative team included Gamilaroi astronomer Karlie Noon, and musical duo Electric Fields, and Bangarra's chief composer, Leon Rodgers.

[18] Waru – journey of the small turtle, directed by Stephen Page and written by his son Hunter Page-Lochard, premiered in Sydney in 2023, and ran for two seasons before going on tour from 26 June to 9 November 2024.

The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards commenced in 1984 and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry.