Tom, a charismatic First Nations storyteller and dancer, brings Australia's cultural heritage to life through vibrant dance and animation.
Set in the heart of the Yugambeh Language Region in South East Queensland, Dance with Tom is a joyful, movement-rich screen experience for children that invites audiences into the vibrant world of First Nations culture, storytelling and language. Created by an award-winning First Nations team and brought to life through a dynamic blend of live-action dance and rich, hand-crafted animation, this special celebrates Country, culture and community through the universal language of dance.
At the centre of the series is Tom, a charismatic, knowledgeable and energetic First Nations storyteller and dancer, portrayed by Thomas E.S. Kelly (Minjungbal/Wiradjuri). As our engaging on-screen guide, Tom warmly invites children to explore the world around them by learning dances inspired by animals, natural elements and landscapes. Each story he shares is deeply rooted in traditional knowledge and brought to life through vibrant animation and playful live-action performance.
Each dance begins at the Dance Headquarters, a welcoming space where Tom introduces a new character, the sun (nyunga), the wedge-tail eagle (mibunn), or the soldier crab (boongoo boongoo). Tom is joined by a group of adult and child dancers who learn the choreography together. The moves are expressive, inclusive and fun, with versions that can be performed standing or seated, ensuring all children can participate and connect.
Co-written by respected Aboriginal cultural advocate Faith Baisden (Kombumerri/Mununjali) and directed by acclaimed Aboriginal filmmaker Dean Gibson (Guugu Yimithirr), the series remains culturally authentic, respectful and grounded in lived experience. More than entertainment, Dance with Tom educates and uplifts, inviting a new generation to move with meaning, learn new words, and celebrate the beauty of their environment through a First Nations lens.
"You can't beat the power of dance, combining our stories of place and Country into fun dance moves for children's television. Deadly!"
Dean Gibson · Director & Co-Writer
Nyunga · nyoong-ga
Tom teaches a Nyunga dance. Nyunga is the Yugambeh word for Sun, the source of our energy! Join Tom for a Nyunga dance to warm your body and help you start your day.
Mibunn · mibun
Tom teaches a Mibunn dance. Mibunn is the Yugambeh word for Wedge-tail Eagle, who flies high and wide, watching over all the creatures of the land. Join Tom in a Mibunn dance to look over and protect the land.
Mungera · mung-gurr
Tom teaches a Mungera dance. Mungera is the Yugambeh word for Gumtree, home to many birds and animals, keeping them safe. Join Tom in a Mungera dance to be strong and feel good protecting others.
Kuruhman · gooramun
Tom teaches a Kuruhman dance. Kuruhman is the Yugambeh word for Kangaroo, who are curious and listen carefully to the sounds of the bush. Join Tom and learn to be strong, curious and patient, just like the great Kuruhman.
Boongoo Boongoo
Tom teaches a Boongoo Boongoo dance. Boongoo Boongoo is the Yugambeh word for Soldier Crabs, who keep strong together and look out for each other. Join Tom for a Boongoo Boongoo dance and learn to be strong and safe together.
Plus a half-hour special bringing all the dances together.
Host · Choreographer
A proud Minjungbal/Wiradjuri man and NAISDA Dance College graduate, Thomas is a multidisciplinary artist working across choreography, dance, theatre, music and teaching. In 2017 he co-founded Karul Projects, "Karul" is the Yugambeh word for "everything", where he is Artistic Director, increasing First Nations voices, visibility and stories at home and around the world.
Director & Co-Writer
An award-winning Guugu Yimithirr writer, director and producer with over 20 years' experience across children's, documentary and drama for ABC, SBS and NITV. His credits include Incarceration Nation, Wik vs Queensland, First Weapons and beloved children's titles Tjitji Lullaby and Marringa Lullaby. Co-founder of Allstory Pictures.
Producer
A Queensland producer and writer with 20+ years' experience and more than 70 hours of broadcast credits across SBS, ABC and NITV. Producer of the Logie- and SPA Award-winning Incarceration Nation, and co-creator of Tjitji Lullaby and Marringa Lullaby. Co-founder of Allstory Pictures.
Cultural Consultant & Co-Writer
An author, artist, musician and filmmaker with almost four decades promoting First Nations culture and language. A respected Kombumerri/Mununjali advocate and former CEO of First Languages Australia, Faith has collaborated with UNESCO and the global Endangered Languages Project.
Co-Producer
Born in Brisbane to an Aboriginal and South Sea Islander mother, Karina is a journalist, producer, broadcaster and community leader. Her board roles include Children's Health Queensland, and she brings deep community engagement to telling stories with and for young people.
Visual Artist · Little Butten
A proud Aboriginal digital artist whose vibrant, pattern-rich work blends culture with a contemporary approach. At the heart of Little Butten is community, culture and Country, bringing imaginative visions to life with colour, warmth and pride.
Filmed at Screen Queensland Studios, on the Traditional Country of the Yuggera and Turrbul peoples. With development and production funding from Screen Queensland and the Queensland Government. Developed and produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Allstory Pictures Pty Ltd 2025.