GO Foundation scholar Aurielle Smith has been selected to attend the prestigious Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive in New York City.

Regarded as one of the world's most lucrative dance programs, Smith is relishing the opportunity to learn from some of the most prestigious dance teachers in the world whilst representing Kamilaroi and First Nations people.

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 5 to July 12,  we honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under the 2026 theme "50 Years of Deadly".

Smith is a familiar face at the Sydney Swans, regularly performing at events and match days. 

The 19-year-old dancer has been dancing since eight years old and has been able to excel in all aspects of life, being nominated for the 2026 NSW Young Woman of the Year and earning a spot on the HSC Honour Roll.

Smith acknowledged the role and impact that the GO Foundation has had on her life and the opportunities that have been presented to her thanks to the Foundation and the Sydney Swans. 

"Without the unwavering support of the GO Foundation and the Sydney Swans for believing in me and giving me the chance to perform over the years, as well as the Bangarra Dance Theatre Youth & Education program mentors, I would not be where I am today,” Smith said.

"Being in these early stages of a performing arts career and having this much support is like dream come true."

Sydney Swans Premiership players Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin co-founded the GO Foundation back in 2009, with the aim of creating spaces for Indigenous students to unlock the power of their identity and culture while at school and university.

“Education is the game-changer. We know that education is going to have the biggest impact for our students, but more importantly, education is going to have a massive impact for our communities,” Goodes said via the GO Foundation website. 

Smith has been a GO Foundation Scholar for the past five years, with the Foundation acting as a support system for the young dancer. This has allowed her to push boundaries and celebrate her people's culture through her dance. 

"Culture and connection to Country is the heart of everything I do," Smith told the National Indigenous Times.

"I stand on the shoulders of the greats who carved this path for me, and I'm so proud to be the first Aboriginal Pre-Professional Year (PPY) student to attend this program in NYC."

As Smith undertakes the five-week course in the Big Apple, her message to other young inspiring First Nations kids is simple.

"Follow your dreams and your passions and keep working hard; it really does pay off.”