HEN Frances Rings was appointed as the new artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, it seemed the most predestined of steps. She has been associated with the company almost since it was founded. Outgoing artistic director Stephen Page gave her her first job as a dancer with the company; since then she has been a resident choreographer and, more recently, artistic associate. Furthermore, she was so close to the three Page brothers that she was practically a sister – Stephen Page once referred to her as the “female energy” of the company. She has shared their triumph and their grief – artistic, political and personal – and has been an enduring and charismatic presence.
