National Dance Forum
WE OFTEN MAKE A FUSS THE FIRST TIME SOMETHING HAPPENS, knowing that once it’s happened, it paves the way for it to happen again and again. Little trail-blazing moments! This is exactly what is happening in August, as the Australian dance sector comes to Darwin for the National Dance Forum (NDF).
Ausdance National Executive Director Kathy Baykitch says it’s an important move for the industry.
“This is the first time the National Dance Forum will be held in a regional location, and reflects the strength and relevance of regional dance,” she says.
“Darwin provides a unique setting as a gateway to a range of places, cultures and communities, and the perfect setting to explore and interrogate the notion of home – dance of place, disruption and belonging.’
Attracting peak industry body to the Northern Territory sends a clear signal to national colleagues about the strength and vibrancy of the arts in the NT. It shines a spotlight on what happens here and gives the sector a voice in the national arts arena.
At the 2017 NDF in Melbourne, to a room of dancers, choreographers and dance educators, Tracks Dance planted the seed for the Darwin visit. The Forum had never been co-hosted and never been to a regional city, but fast-forward two years and that is exactly what is happening.
Tracks Company Director Adelaide Wood explains why co-hosting the NDF is important.
“Tracks is a dance company that makes fiercely local work, which is people and site specific. We don’t tour nationally, so we’re bringing the national dance sector to us. It’s very powerful,” she said.
Tracks have worked hard to make the location and culture of the Top End resonate through the National Dance Forum program, and provide a dance experience that is distinctly Top End in flavour.
FRI 9 & SAT 10 AUG TRACKS DANCE STUDIO | $75 - $250 | tracksdance.com.au | darwinfestival.org.au
