Australian Dance Theatre presents Blak Futures

admin 15/02/2024 Australian Dance News No Comment

In a revolutionary moment for Australian dance, Blak Artistic Directors of funded dance companies gather on Kaurna Yerta to plant the seeds of the future of Blak dance and artistry.

Facilitated by Marilyn Miller and Wesley Enoch AM, Blak Futures will see artists Gary Lang (NT Dance Company), Frances Rings (Bangarra Dance Theatre), Jacob Boehme (Idja Dance Theatre), Dalisa Pigram (Marrugeku), Daniel Riley (Australian Dance Theatre), Joel Bray (Joel Bray Dance) and Thomas E.S Kelly and Taree Sansbury (Karul Projects) reimagine what dance can be in this country.

Situated alongside the world premiere season of Marrow, this unprecedented two-day event will begin with an intimate consultation with First Nations dancers from across South Australia on Saturday 16 March, before opening to the public on Sunday 17 March for a game-changing conversation with some of Australia’s most respected Blak leaders.

Blak Futures begins with a day of consultation between Blak dance leaders from around the country and First Nations dance practitioners based on Kaurna Yerta. Sessions will include open space discussions, PechaKucha-style pitching sessions and the opportunity to plan for the future of the sector.

The PechaKucha style session will see participants introduce their practice and their work. All participants will craft a 10-slide presentation with a time limit of 20 seconds per slide. Rehearsal time and assistance will be made available to all participants. Blak dance artists and collectives are invited to step into The Odeon and contribute to the future of dance in this country.

Alongside the Blak Futures Artistic Directors, selected artists will have the opportunity to participate in a series of open space forums, pitching sessions and networking events that will see them consult with artists at the forefront of the industry.

Artists will attend Blak Futures on both Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March. Interested artists may submit an EOI here.

Following a day of intensive consultation, Blak Futures opens up to the public for an afternoon of thrilling ideas and provocations from Blak Futures delegates. Bookings are free but essential. Ticket buyers may also add a ticket to the 5pm performance of Australian Dance Theatre’s Marrow. Book now.