Homebodies (Fresh Tracks) 2020
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Darwin and outer Darwin
May - Jun, 2020
Video Showing: Oct 18, 2020
On Zoom, from Home
'Homebodies' created a short and succinct opportunity for 12 artists to generate new work from home - precious offerings in unsettling times. It emphasised a continuation of each artist’s individual development and reflected the diversity of people, ideas, and movement practices that have come through Tracks’ Choreographic Program over many years.
Under the umbrella of Fresh Tracks, 'Homebodies' is a collection of movement-based works, inviting local artists to delve into their creative process.
COVID-19 in all of its complexity has compelled us to think differently, together, about how we might connect with the independent dance community in Darwin for now. With a gentle redesign, Fresh Tracks this year morphed into a home-based creative experiment for 12 artists to each create a short, solo work.
Due to current performance and audience restrictions, ‘Homebodies’ followed the principles of the existing Fresh Tracks program, with Tracks Dance Animateurs Kelly Beneforti and Jess Devereux having hand-selected 10 artists, all alumni of the Tracks Choreographic Program.
12 Solos
Juicy provocations and intriguing movement scores became the nexus for the group within this strange time of physical distancing, and the impetus for dance-making at home. The project culminated in each choreographer working with Duane Preston to uniquely document the solo dance they had made into a dance film.
The 12 short solos will then have the potential of a remount in 2021.
Fresh Tracks presents choreographic ideas and experiments that are driven by the individual artists' curiosities, physicalities and artistic sensibilities. Artists are encouraged to utilise the resources at Tracks to develop their practice, present original dance work, and engage in dialogue around their artistry. Now in it's fourth year, Fresh Tracks is nestled within the Tracks Development Program, which invests in the continuation of strong dance voices in Darwin through research and development, mentoring, critical feedback and presentation opportunities. Tracks recognises the importance of supporting and celebrating the talent, potential and commitment of our local artists.
Creative Team
Concept and Curation: Kelly Beneforti and Jess Devereux
Choreographer / Dancers: Venaska Cheliah, Ricky Borg, Kelly Beneforti, Jess Devereux, Alex Jordan, Kristi Renfrey, Maari Gray, Sheila Rose, Kyle Walmsley, CJ Fraser Bell, Bryn Wackett and Jenelle Saunders
Video: Duane Preston
Photographic Documentation: Jess Devereux, Duane Preston and Kelly Beneforti
Explore Further
Homebodies 2021 (dance film installation)
Company Partners
Tracks Inc is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; and is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.
Tracks 2020
Artistic Co-Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth
Company Director: Adelaide Wood
Administrator: Jessica Mellor / Jo Shearn
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti and Jess Devereux
Bookkeeper: It Figures
Committee Members: Venaska Cheliah (Chairperson), Andrea Wicking (Vice-Chairperson), Glenn Bernardin (Treasurer), David Taylor, Michael Grant, Ken Conway, Max Dewa Stretton, Rachael Wallis. David McMicken, Tim Newth, Adelaide Wood (Ex-Officio Members)
Public Fund Trustees: Maari Gray, Will Crawford and Lachlan Peattie
Patron: Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory
Photos
Videos
Responses
"Personally I was able to express knowing that how I move has been influenced by my time in Darwin as well dancing on the outside in dirt I felt made a real connection to where I am. My piece I feel was a direct expression on my local identity and place." Ricky Borg
"The chance to really take control of our own individual small work was ace. The trust handed over and the support thrown behind these tiny art works felt very empowering." Kyle Walmsley
"Home is yes the house I live in, my abode, and a location I feel grounded in. And it is also a multifaceted concept. It can be people too and spaces where memories may have been crafted; and it is the natural world." Jenelle Saunders
"By being creative in the one space that is our only private place in the whole universe created excitement. It gave me the opportunity to dance and celebrate a journey I have lived, which gave my dance a unique identity and imprint of expression." Sheila Rose
"I really enjoyed the whole process, the freedom and support at all stages, clarity as well as flexibility and encouragement." Alex Jordan
"The zoom sessions gave a sense of connectedness that encouraged and nurtured my engagement in [the project]." Maari Gray