The BlakDance Presenter Series at APAM 2018

BlakDance Presenter Series is a professional development opportunity for Australian and international presenters who want to program First Nations’ performing arts. read more »

First Nations Exchange at APAM 2018

First Nations Exchange is for First Nations artists, producers and presenters from around the world are invited on a journey of engagement. read more »

Zoom in : BlakDance Presenter Series at APAM 2018

Zoom in : BlakDance Presenter Series facilitated by leading international provocateur Judy Harquail, this event will allow delegates a chance to peer behind-the-scenes of the BlakDance Presenter Series as together they chart a new a course for the presentation of contemporary Indigenous performance. 
read more »

FIRST PEOPLES PERFORMING ARTS LOUNGE at APAM 2018

FIRST PEOPLES PERFORMING ARTS LOUNGE along with our friends from ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, BlakDance, YIRRAMBOI First Nations Arts Festival and the Blackfulla Performing Arts Alliance. This will be a one-stop shop to meet leaders of Australia's First Peoples performing arts. read more »

FIRST NATIONS EXCHANGE MANIFESTO

FEBRUARY 2018

DURING AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTS MARKET (APAM 2018), BRISBANE

For thousands of generations we have cared for the soul of this country. Globally First Peoples are the knowledge bearers and cultural Custodians. The integrity of any arts & cultural conversation begins with us. To truly have a relationship with Australia you need to start with us.

An incredible amount of work has been done since Adelaide 2012 to grow the voice and presence of the First People of this land and others beyond the mere pitch n sell. But, we are just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

Brisbane’s prioritisation of First peoples has been intrinsic to the success of this spectacular event. As Melbourne takes custodianship of this gathering, we invite you to our table to discuss taking this event to the next level of partnership.

As we begin to reimagine this event, we offer this: When we come together what potential is unleashed when we go beyond commerce and honour deep connection? What would an APAM look like where all of us bring our entire selves: ancestry, spirit, culture then work?

Creative Victoria has stated their commitments to First Peoples cultural arts practice. Only WITH us will you to achieve these goals.

Blakfella says “You wanna do the right thing yeh?”
Whitefella says “But of course.
This mob of Blakfellas says “Let’s start right now.”

See you in Naarm.

National Indigenous Dance Forum (NIDF) 2017

National Indigenous Dance Forum (NIDF) 
A Gathering, presented by BlakDance

5–7 MAY 2017

Benjamin Creek Image by Walker and Campos

NIDF PROGRAM

THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DANCE FORUM (NIDF) IS A BLAKDANCE GATHERING, PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YIRRAMBOI FIRST NATIONS ARTS FESTIVAL

THE NIDF IS FOR ALL DANCE COMMUNITIES – CULTURAL AND CONTEMPORARY DANCERS, COMMUNITY DANCE GROUPS AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS – TO GATHER TO DISCUSS OUR NEEDS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

THE NIDF IS PART OF THE BULLARTO WONTHAGGI (EVERYONE GATHERING TOGETHER) PROGRAM OF YIRRAMBOI FIRST NATIONS ARTS FESTIVAL.    
 

View fullsize

Mitch Tambo Image by Walker and Campos

Sermsah Bin Saad Image by Walker and Campos

THE NIDF IS FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR INDIGENOUS DANCE AND ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH OTHERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN THE COMING YEARS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. IT WILL BRING TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM AS MANY REGIONS AS POSSIBLE.

““When you come to the National Indigenous Dance Forum, you have to be really clear about what your purpose is, be strong and determined to fulfil that purpose. Be aware of where you are and have a sense of place.
- Marilyn Miller -
founder of BlakDance”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PREVIOUS NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DANCE FORUMS, PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT  THE CREATING PATHWAYS OUTCOMES FROM 2005.

---

ABORIGINAL BALLET DANCERS OF AUSTRALIA

ON SUNDAY 7 MAY 2017 BLAKDANCE WILL HOST ABORIGINAL BALLET DANCERS OF AUSTRALIA. 

A HISTORIC DISCUSSION PANEL BRINGING TOGETHER 7 ABORIGINAL BALLET DANCERS TO JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY, FRIENDSHIP, GENEROSITY AND HOPES.
 

Aboriginal Ballet Dancers of Australia
7 May, 6.30PM
Melbourne City Town Hall

Co-convened by Marilyn Miller (founder of BlakDance) and David McAllister (Artistic Director Australian Ballet)

 

Mary Joyce Miller
Photo courtesy of Sunday Times Newspaper Perth 1959, the year Mary Joyce Miller auditioned and was accepted as a member of the West Australian Ballet Company.

BlakDance Presenter Series 2017

We’re inviting presenters and programmers an opportunity to join a delegation to the BlakDance Presenter Series, which is a program that sits alongside the National Indigenous Dance Forum (NIDF). The NIDF is part of the Bullarto Wonthaggi (Everyone Gathering Together) program of YIRRAMBOI First Nations Arts Festival.

Location: Meat Market, Melbourne
Dates: 5–7 May 2017

THE BLAKDANCE PRESENTER SERIES SITS ALONGSIDE THE NIDF TO PROVIDE PRESENTERS AND PRODUCERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO  DEVELOP FIRST HAND INSIGHTS INTO CURATORIAL CAPACITY OF FIRST NATIONS DANCE.

The BlakDance Presenter Series delegation will spend the first three nights of the Festival immersing themselves in First Nations dance. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in hand crafted presenter workshops, see and discuss work with colleagues, network and develop first hand insights into curatorial capacity of First Nations dance.

We are looking for presenters and programmers who are seeking authentic experiences for their audiences and might not otherwise have the opportunity to access a diverse range of First Nations dance productions and makers.

It seeks to respond to an evidenced gap between audience interest and lack of presentations of Indigenous work highlighted in Australia Council research Showcasing Creativity and Building Audiences.

Delegates will participate in a schedule of activities comprising of selected performances and group activities, networking events with the Indigenous dance sector through interfacing with the National Indigenous Dance Forum.

OUR PROJECT IS BEING LED BY:

• ANGELA FLYNN, INDIGENOUS ARTS CONSULTANT 

• JUDY HARQUAIL, LEADING CONTEMPORARY DANCE INDUSTRY EXPERT (CANADA)

• MEREDITH BOGGIA, NEW YORK-BASED DANCE PRODUCER (USA)

• COLLETTE BRENNAN, CEO, ABBOTSFORD CONVENT

• JANE FULLER, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING NORPA

• KIRK PAGE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR NORPA

• LYDIA FAIRHALL, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING FOOTSCRAY ARTS CENTRE

• BEN GRAETZ, CREATIVE PRODUCER, ILBIJERRI

These industry leaders will deliver a program that seeks to transform the skills of the participants and the way they engage with Indigenous contemporary dance practice through their programming within national touring.

BlakDance will curate a group of choreographers with national touring aspirations who are already in attendance at the NIDF, to up skill and provide market development training to enable deeper engagement with the presenters. You will have opportunities to connect with them through dedicated networking events and facilitated processes. This provides an opportunity for both artists and presenters to build meaningful relationships with each other.

Selection Criteria

BlakDance staff and industry advisers will assess the impact of the opportunity for the individual or organisation according to the following selection criteria:

1      How the opportunity will strengthen your capacity as an arts professional and/or organisation to deliver your audience development goals

2     The relevance and timeliness of the proposed opportunity in delivering your audience development goals

3     The ability of you and/ or your organisation to effectively implement change.

The project team leaders and BlakDance will assess the EOI’s.

You will be asked to provide details addressing the selection criteria when you submit your EOI through the BlakDance website.

Selection process

Expressions of Interest can be submitted through the BlakDance website from the 29 March. The delegation will be formed against a framework considering the overall mix of participants necessary to reflect a diverse range of art forms, regions and experience.

Applications from regional and remote areas are strongly encouraged.

You will be informed of the outcome of your expression of interest by 22 April 2017. 

Contact

To discuss your expression of interest, please contact Merindah Donnelly, Executive Producer, BlakDance. merindah.donnelly@blakdance.org.au

We are offering this program at no cost to presenters, however please note:
BlakDance cannot not cover flights or accommodation. 
We can recommend locations near the Festival hub.
We cannot supply tickets to nominated events.
Any additional costs will be borne by the participant.

Participants are encouraged to extend their stay to take in more of the Festival and add value to their travel with meetings and events outside of scheduled activities.

THE IBIS HOTEL, SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE, THROUGH THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MEAT MARKET IS OFFERING A DISCOUNT TO DELEGATES. GO TO THE MEAT MARKET WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

---

IABD 30TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL OF BLACKS IN DANCE 2018

 

 

 

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE (IABD) PRESENTS THE 30TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL OF BLACKS IN DANCE IN LOS ANGELES, JAN 23-28, 2018.  

IABD HAS ASKED BLAKDANCE TO INFORM OUR MEMBERS OF THIS SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY!

THEY ARE REQUESTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) FROM THE AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS DANCE SECTOR TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL.

Attending the conference and festival provides opportunities to:
- Undertake Professional Development
- Present work (cultural and or contemporary, excerpts, 10 minute maximum)
- Deliver workshops and master classes
- Present ideas, dialogue or conversation topics.

To submit an EOI, you must complete the form BELOW. This must be submitted by September 1st to allow time for IABD to assess applications.

If this is something you want to attend, please be aware of the process:
1. Complete EOI online below by September 1st. 
2. All EOI’s will be sent to IABD to be assessed by them.
3. If IABD selects your EOI, you must then submit an individual grant application to the Australia Council for the Arts by the October 3 funding deadline (or find alternate funding elsewhere).

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a funded activity. BlakDance is NOT involved in the selection process or providing funding. We can provide support for you to submit a funding application. We are not submitting on your behalf. If your EOI is selected by IABD, your attendance is funding dependent (through Australia Council or other).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP THE SUPPORT OF BLAKDANCE FOR THESE OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE COMPLETE THE BELOW EOI FORM BY SEPTEMBER 1st.

Enquires? Contact us hannah.scanlon@blakdance.org.au or sean.campbell@blakdance.org.au

*Please note you will need a current passport for this opportunity*

*EOIs have now closed*

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS FUNDING

CAREER DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
Want to further develop your skills in Australia or overseas by:
-A self-organised residency
-Attend professional development / practice workshops
-Work with a mentor or community
-Collaborate on a new work
-Go on secondment with a company
-Attend a symposium or conference
The main focus on this grant is about the impact on your career your project will have.
FIND OUT MORE

Next Closing Date: 3 October 2017        Project start date after: 1 January 2018

Australian Performing Arts Centres Association Conference & The Performing Arts Exchange (APACA / PAX) 2017

READ THE EVALUATION BY BLAKDANCE TRAINEE PRODUCER HANNAH SCANLON HERE

APACA / PAX 2017

ON 21-24 AUGUST, BLAKDANCE AND 4 OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDIGENOUS CHOREOGRAPHERS TRAVEL TO GAMMERAIGAL COUNTRY FOR APACA / PAX  

 

BLAKDANCE HAS A PITCH SESSION & 2 ENCOUNTER SESSIONS AT PAX

AND A BREAKOUT SESSION AT APACA: PERFORMING COUNTRY 

TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST  

PAX PITCH SESSION #4  11:00AM - 12:10PM

BLAKDANCE - PITCH

BLAKDANCE ENCOUNTER SESSION  12:15PM - 1:00PM

MEET MARIAA RANDALL AND THOMAS E.S. KELLY

BLAKDANCE ENCOUNTER SESSION  3:45PM - 4:30PM

MEET KATINA OLSEN AND AMRITA HEPI

THURSDAY 24TH AUGUST

BREAKOUT: PERFORMING COUNTRY   1:30PM - 2:30PM

PERFORMING COUNTRY IS AN AMBITIOUS FOUR-YEAR PROJECT THAT WILL FOCUS ON PLACE BASED COLLABORATION BETWEEN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AND VENUES, ENRICHING INDIGENOUS LED LOCAL LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSFORMING VENUES.

PERFORMING COUNTRY IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BLAKDANCE, BLACKFULLA PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE, PERFORMING LINES AND Performing Arts Connections Australia.

PERFORMING COUNTRY WILL BE LED AND DEVELOPED WITH THE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES, ELDERS AND PERFORMING ARTS EXPERTS. JOIN US FOR AN UPDATE AND DISCUSSION WITH OUR PROJECT PARTNERS.

Speakers: Karilyn Brown, Anne-Marie Heath, Rachael Maza & Merindah Donnelly

 

BLAKDANCE WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING THE PRESENTING FIRST NATIONS WORK: CULTURAL PROTOCOLS SESSION.

WEDNESDAY 23RD AUGUST

3:00PM - 4:00PM

Are you presenting or contemplating presenting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander work?

How welcoming is your venue for your Indigenous community members? 

Following on from this popular session at our 2016 conference, this session will provide you with advice and suggestions on how you can cultivate Indigenous cultural protocols.

Speaker : Mark Stapleton

APACA, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association, is presenting the 2017 Performing Arts Exchange [PAX] and 'Outside, In´- this year’s performing arts conference. 

The Performing Arts Exchange (PAX) is APACA’s flagship networking and development event. It’s a face-to-face market which brings together producers and presenters from across the country to create and maximise touring opportunities and build relationships.

VIEW THE FULL APACA/PAX PROGRAM HERE

VIEW THE PAX ONLY PROGRAM HERE

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DANCE FORUM (NIDF) 2017

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DANCE FORUM (NIDF) 

OUR SECTOR GATHERINGS ARE HELD EVERY FEW YEARS, FOR THE SECTOR, BY THE SECTOR. 

THESE GATHERINGS ARE FOR ALL DANCE COMMUNITIES – CULTURAL AND CONTEMPORARY DANCERS, COMMUNITY DANCE GROUPS, EDUCATORS AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS – TO DISCUSS OUR NEEDS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

THE 2017 GATHERING BROUGHT TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM AS MANY REGIONS AS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP A SECTOR-LED NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR INDIGENOUS DANCE.

READ THE NIDF 2017 REPORT HERE

“When you come to the National Indigenous Dance Forum, you have to be really clear about what your purpose is, be strong and determined to fulfil that purpose. Be aware of where you are and have a sense of place.
- Marilyn Miller -
founder of BlakDance

The National Indigenous Dance Forum (NIDF) 2017 was a BlakDance gathering held in partnership with YIRRAMBOI First Nations Arts Festival. Held on the lands of the Kulin Nation at Weelam Ngalut, the Meat Markets Melbourne, 5 - 7 May 2017. Over 180 delegates participated with comprehensive national representation and international guests from; USA, Fiji, Canada and New Zealand. The gathering was inclusive of the independent and small to medium sector, with diverse practitioners from; grass roots community members, choreographers, cultural educators, contemporary dancers, cultural dancers and youth dance companies. The process and program was informed by the NIDF Steering Group which included elders and peers of BlakDance as well as sector representatives. Direct advice regarding protocol was taken from the YIRRAMBOI Elders Council.

The NIDF 2017 was part of the Bullarto Wonthaggi (everyone gathering together) program of YIRRAMBOI, facilitated by Wesley Enoch (Artistic Director, Sydney Festival), Marilyn Miller (Founder, BlakDance) and Graham Brady (Elder).

The five top priorities for action as voted by delegates are listed below in priority order:

• Dedicated and curated intercultural and international conversations, showcases and opportunity for practice-based collaboration and connections at the next NIDF.

• The purpose of dance to be upheld as a means for cultural transmission and healing as well as art.

• Curriculum development for Indigenous dance in mainstream schools.

• Increasing producers and presenters cultural competency through programs like the BlakDance Presenter Series. To ensure our cultural needs are included in our contract with the venue, through programs like Performing Country.

• Demand for Indigenous led and curated Blak performing arts spaces.

• There is a critical and urgent need for more opportunities to make work, developing process, practice and protocol, like the BlakDance Residency Program.

Jade Lillie, Rachael Maza, Rhoda Roberts, Angela Flynn, Lydia Miller. Photo by Mick Richards

BlakDance Presenter Series

The 2017 BlakDance Presenter Series ran alongside the gathering for presenters and producers the opportunity to develop first hand insight into curatorial capacity of First Nations dance.

Through consultation BlakDance identified the Artists and company representatives attended market development bootcamp within The BlakDance Presenter Series.

Through consultation BlakDance identified the Indigenous dance sector wanted presenters to engage with them at the NIDF. BlakDance responded by producing the BlakDance Presenter Series held concurrently, 5- 7 May 2017. Our allies generously volunteered their time in developing and delivering the program.

The program significantly transformed the participants ways of engaging with Indigenous contemporary practice through their programming within national / international venues and institutions.

For more information about the Presenter Series please click here.

Mary Joyce Miller
Photo courtesy of Sunday Times Newspaper Perth 1959, the year Mary Joyce Miller auditioned and was accepted as a member of the West Australian Ballet Company.

Aboriginal Ballet Dancers of Australia Panel  

Melbourne City Town Hall, 7 May 2017

BlakDance hosted a panel discussion with Aboriginal ballet dancers celebrating these forgotten heroes that dared to forge careers as ballet dancers despite racism and colonial policies.

This historic discussion brought together seven Aboriginal ballet dancers to journey through history, friendship, hopes and their contributions to the artform.

Co-convened by Marilyn Miller (founder of BlakDance) and David McAllister (Artistic Director Australian Ballet), with panellists Mary Miller, Noel Tovey, Roslyn Watson, Lillian Crombie, Ella Havelka, Evie Ferris and Damian Smith.

VIEW THE NIDF 2017 ATTENDEE LIST

Past national gatherings have included:

Creating Pathways outcomes from 2005

The BlakDance Symposium 2012 here

The BlakDance Summit 2015 here

During NIDF 2017 Delegates identified the achievements of the Indigenous dance sector in Australia since our first gathering at Creating Pathways in 2005. Initial data is collated here.

Guruman Dancers head to Taiwan and Scotland taking and talking dance!

When Fred Leone isn’t busy curating Clancestry and working as a guest director for Black Arm Band, you can find him revitalizing cultural practices as Artistic Director of the Guruman Dancers (Guruman meaning Kangaroo in Butchella). Fred is an Aboriginal, Tongan and South-Sea Islander man from the Garawa people of Far North West Queensland into the Northern Territory, and the Butchella mob of Fraser Coast.

Recently we caught up with BlakDance member Fred, to hear more about the Guruman Dancers who are heading off overseas to Taiwan and Scotland this year.

“Our traditional dance group Guruman Dancers have been invited to perform at the Global Indigenous Peoples Performing Arts Festival in Taipei, Taiwan. We will be taking part in a cultural exchange with the Amis (Indigenous peoples of Taiwan),”Fred said. As well as performing in July, the group will be holding workshops and engaging in conversations around traditional and contemporary arts practice.

Interestingly, in this funding landscape, the group have committed to going on this journey without funding support. The Guruman Dancers have approached two potential sponsors for this exchange, however no funding has been confirmed. Regardless of this, the Guruman Dancers are still going and the group is considering applying to the next round of Australia Council funding.

The story of this cultural exchange came about through a connection Fred made while on an earlier trip to Taiwan. The conversation continued at APAM this year, and led to the invitation to perform. Along with Fred as Artistic Director, there are twelve dancers heading off to take part in the tour. Members of the Guruman Dancers come from different nations across the east coast of Australia including: Badjtala, Garawa, Waanyi, Yanuwa, Gungurri, Yugarapul, Birri Gubba, Wiradjuri & Goomeroi.  

The Guruman Dancers have a busy year of knowledge exchange and creative development ahead. After they finish up their journey with the Amis in Taiwan they will be travelling to Scotland. The Guruman Dancers will be collaborating with The National Theatre of Scotland in October. This work is part of collaboration across five different countries called Home/Away that investigates the effects of urbanization on belonging, home, country and land. (You can find the full list of collaborating companies at the end of this article).

Having events that celebrate the contemporary Indigenous dance scene has been critical to the Guruman Dancers making the right connections to tour. The opportunity to collaborate grew from networking at Clancestry in 2014 when artist and Gaelic poet Judith Parrot connected the Guruman Dancers with the National Theatre Scotland. The tour to Scotland will be co-produced by Jorden Verzar and Fred Leone.

Speaking about the collaboration and the work the Guruman Dancers will develop Fred said,

“Our section will address identity within an urban context and explore authenticity of contemporary cultural practice, intergenerational transfer of knowledge and the fracturing that is prevalent in Urban Aboriginal culture but also the parts that are stronger than the roots of the Ironbark tree.”

This collaboration shows how cultural revitalization and language preservation through traditional and contemporary practice of dance and language is central to their work.

Read more about the Guruman Dancers here.

List of companies collaborating on Home/Away with the National Theatre of Scotland:

• Brazil: Rio De Janeiro, and involve theatre and circus director Renato Rocha, with a new piece to be created with participants from two Rio favelas, working alongside companies Nós do Morro and AfroReggae.

• United States: Theatre director and Fulbright Fellow Sarah-Rose Graber Adventure Stage Theatre Company.

• India, New Dehli: The Yuva Ekta Foundation.

• Jamaica, Kingston: Manifesto JA.

• Scotland, Edinburgh Scotland: Artlink, Uist and Glasgow Scotland: Artists Rona MacDonald, Gillebride MacMillan and Judy Parrott will work with Glasgow-based director John Binnie and Scotland, Glasgow: The Bangladeshi Association of Glasgow.

From Dana Waranara, Adelaide’s Spirit Festival hosts Waiata Telfer’s work: ‘SONG the story of a girl, a bird and a teapot’

2016 has taken an unexpected but not unwelcome turn for independent performing artist Waiata Telfer.

Having already performed at Adelaide’s Spirit Festival as part of the Adelaide Fringe, and with the prospects of touring to Japan with another production company on the horizon, the Narungga-Kaurna woman with British and Burmese ancestry is off to a busy start.

Telfer says she has been trying to “break into the greater performing network” for years, and after conversing with producers and presenters at the Dana Waranara Convergence in December last year, her efforts have begun to pay off.

Telfer was invited to perform as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and is in discussions for pursuing national and international tours of her solo work.

Telfer presented a snippet of her self-written and produced performance ‘SONG the story of a girl, a bird and a teapot,’ at Dana Waranara, and says this was an invaluable experience to make connections with local, national and international guests.

“At first I was a bit hesitant to go because I don’t call myself a dancer, so I shied away from it.”

“I am a cross arts performer and incorporate other mediums than just dance into my work.”

“It was very empowering for me actually. It was empowering to be a part of that process and to be a part of that conversation.”

The Convergence, held at Brisbane’s Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in partnership with both BlakDance and Performing Lines, brings together performers, presenters and programmers to look at how they can best showcase and incorporate Indigenous dance into mainstream venues and programs.

“One thing that I really appreciated about Dana Waranara is that dancers, especially the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance community are very unique. I think that even us as Blackfullas, we miss that, you forget how unique we really are. And I think that that’s what came away for me, that it’s a really strong community that has so much to offer the greater dance performance sector.”

“There was a really strong, supportive, healing and open energy at Dana Waranara that I haven’t really experienced elsewhere.”

Telfer has come a long way from the 15 year-old girl who began acting and performing in Adelaide.

At just 17, Telfer began a solo journey from Adelaide to Sydney leaving her family behind, to follow her dreams of becoming a dancer. 

“Once upon a time my goal was just to be a performer and to be out on stage … and I had no real idea of what I wanted to do with that. I just liked moving and dancing and being exposed to that kind of creative environment. I am now more interested in the storytelling aspect of performance.”

Since then, she has studied at NAISDA, University of Technology Sydney, and CASM, gaining qualifications in dance, music and writing.

She has also raised her children. Two daughters aged 20 and 10 years of age.

“I am a mover, I am interested in movement in everything that I do. It’s the base of storytelling for me.”

“I’ve always been a person that is interested in stories, storytelling, and politics; the politics of being an Aboriginal person in the Australian social political climate. So that’s what drives me and inspires me to create work.”

Telfer is planning to open a new season of ‘SONG the story of a girl, a bird and a teapot,’ as well as developing new projects including a song-based work with Indigenous women in the Adelaide area.

---

Link to Spirit Festival
Link to Tandanya