Artistic Directors Tim Newth and David McMicken have been creating performances that speak to the Northern Territory for over two decades. The company is known for its highly visual outdoor performances in iconic sites around Darwin, combining community members and professional dancers. Tracks has won three Australian Dance Awards for its outstanding achievements.

In its 21st much-anticipated rendezvous with Darwin Festival audiences, Tracks invites us to share insights of wisdom that come from people and place. Landed more specifically draws from the company’s long-term connection with the Warlpiri people of Lajamanu and the natural beauty of the dry Marrara Swamp at the source of Rapid Creek. With an enduring sense of wonder and humour, Landed follows the homecoming of three young Darwinites, freshly arrived from their overseas own rite of passage. As their feet kiss the earth of their birthplace, the thick humidity soon permeates the bodies, the overwhelming physical experience takes hold and minds have no choice but to give in and let go.

Seasoned dancers Kelly Beneforti, Darren Edwards, and Vera Tabuzo join a cast of over 40 performers featuring breakdancers from the D*City Rockers, children of Millner Primary School, and dance students of Casuarina Senior College. The Tracks Artistic Directors weave together Larrakia renowned artist Gary Lang’s sensual choreography, Kelly Beneforti’s contemporary and Aaron Lim’s breakdancing moves. In this evocative new dance collaboration, Landed will take the audience on a very special guided tour through exquisite woodlands.

The original soundscape composed by David McMicken and mixed by Mat Cunliffe, includes the haunting sounds of DSO principal cellist, Rebecca Harris, and will bathe the scenery lit by the late afternoon light.

“Experience the magic of walking into the bush, of just being there, so close to the city that we forget such places exist” say the Directors. “The doors slide open, and you step outside, all of a sudden, you are back in Darwin”. What happens next is where the trail begins.

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Finding Gurambai walking trail - Woodland Loop.

Head towards Darwin International Airport
Turn left between Mercure Airport Resort and Novotel Airport Hotel onto Sir Norman Brearly Drive
Turn left into Larkin Ave and drive to carpark at end of road  and look for Tracks Box Office

Please call 0488 287 042, should you require further indication of directions from 5pm prior to performance.

Tracks Dance Company presents a series of short dance works created and performed by local choreographers, artists and dancers. Initially developed through the Tracks Choreographic Program, these works, rich with potential and showcasing a breadth of ideas, make a commitment to the growth of new, independent dance in Darwin. FRESH TRACKS is an opportunity for audiences to experience the physical and conceptual realms being explored within contemporary dance making in our community. This performance also features a special guest appearance by the Grey Panthers, who continue to push the boundaries of choreographic practice for seniors.

Darwin Fringe Festival
Sunday July 17
3pm and 5pm
Brown's Mart Theatre

Fresh Tracks Program

Rebirth
Choreographed by Chloé Lauverjon
Performed by Chloé Lauverjon and Cathy Young
Videography by Penelope Paton
Music: La Cité Céleste and Danse Nuptiale by Thierry Gomar & José Barrachina

In this piece both visual projections and dance are used to explore nature and life, linking to our chosen theme of Rebirth.

Something I Forgot
Choreographed by David McMicken
Performed by David McMicken and Darryl Butler
Music composed by David McMicken

There is just over a decade between the dancers, and yet questions of ‘forgettory’ often arise during their conversations. The experience of memory changes as one ages. The dance concerns the difference between what is remembered and what is actually performed in the present moment through a thinking body that also forgets.

Headspace
Choreographed by Natalie Hafsteins in collaboration with Venaska Cheliah
Performed by Natalie Hafsteins and Kelly Beneforti
Music: Mana by Ran Bagno

Headspace reveals the multiple conversations one has with themselves. The movement explores self-talk and how it can impact our physical and mental state. One must recognise and refocus these interactions to reconcile the mind, body and spirit.

You Don’t Own Me
Choreographed by Darryl Butler
Performed by members of the Grey Panthers: Val Hristova, Janine Sutter, Maria Vlastuin, Darryl Butler, Toni Vine-Bromley, Marge Duminski, Pat O’Neill, Judy Markwell, Shirley Somers, Judy McKerr and Ellen Hankin
Music: You Don’t Own Me by Lesley Gore

Dancing to the original Lesley Gore version of "You Don't Own Me", the Grey Panthers set their take on the world. Being fabulous unto themselves, reaching back to their younger roots, and putting it out to their audiences that they were and are going to do it their way long before doing it "My Way" had currency. "I'm free and I love to be free. To live my life the way that I want, to say and do whatever I please."

Intentions
Choreographed by Lizzi Webb
Performed by Kelly Beneforti
Music: LSDS by Ryoji Ikeda

The considered use of descriptive vocabulary in text or spoken word allows an author to create meaning within each sentence or statement, deepening the intended experience for its audience. These experiences are dependent on each individual’s perceptions of what is being said. This piece explores these ideas and how they translate into movement and enhance the experience of a dance audience member. Movement is governed by physiological laws that allow a choreographer to manipulate movement vocabulary, and act as an author in dance. It is up to the choreographer as to what is said and up to the audience member as to what is perceived. The relationship of these two components result in the experience of each witness to the performance.

Thank You: Big thanks to all the Darwin Fringe Festival volunteers, The Grey Panthers, and Mathew McHugh

FRESH TRACKS showcases the rich potential of new, independent dance in our community being supported by the Tracks development program. Find out more about other opportunities Tracks offers through its Development Program

Territory Day - Mindil Beach - July 1

Be a part of one of the world’s largest celebrations of dance participation and performance when Big Dance comes to Darwin!  Rally your friends and join hundreds, possibly thousands of dancers of all ages and abilities in this FREE special event.

Big Dance is for everyone – so if you jive, waltz, krump, bungul, tap, pirouette, shimmy or even just click your fingers, don’t miss your chance to be part of dance history!

Click here for more information or to register your participation

Revisit the fabulous film that launched Baz Luhrmann on the big screen!

A top ballroom dancer pairs with a plain, left-footed local girl when his maverick style earns him the disdain of his more conventionally-minded colleagues. Together, the team gives it their all and makes dreams of the National Championship title come true.

Put on your sparkliest outfits and join us to watch the Aussie classic "Strictly Ballroom" on the big screen under the stars!

Don’t miss the appetiser, a vibrant energetic dance performance by the Tracks Pop Up Dance Mob.

Dinner will be available to purchase from Deebee's.

Thursday, April 28

Doors open at 6.30, movie starts at 7.30pm.

Deckchair Cinema
Jervois Road, Darwin, Northern Territory
 

Tickets now available: www.deckchaircinema.com
More about Strictly Ballroom