Welcome to the November 2004 edition of Songlines, Bangarra's email newsletter, a bi-monthly update of the company's work, as well as giveaways and offers.

Also in this Edition:
  Bangarra's 2005 schedule announced

Kathy Marika:
elder goddess

In New York they called it 'remarkable' in Washington it was 'inspirational' and in Hawaii it 'left audiences breathless.' Bangarra's US tour was a 'dazzling' affair, overwhelming sell-out audiences and evoking passionate responses from some of the world's toughest dance critics...

Much of the emotional impact was attributed to Bangarra's Kathy Balngayngu Marika who was described by the Washington Post as 'presiding over the action like an elder goddess.'

...But it all very nearly didn't happen: when US customs decided to hold-up Bangarra's stage scenery for weeklong security checks. Thankfully, with a little diplomatic persuasion from the Aussie embassy, Bangarra was given the green light ahead of schedule and everything was ready in time for New York's Next Wave Festival.

A striking pose in Skin

Elma hails from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. She has been with Bangarra since 1997 when she joined under NAISDA's ADAPT Program. Elma has also founded her own dance group named Bibir (Strength) and is a talented visual artist.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a dancer?
At NAISDA I choreographed and performed a dance piece with Peggy Misi and that's when I decided to be a dancer... And bring the traditional and contemporary together.

Who inspires you in your everyday life?
The Bangarra dancers I worked with when I did my secondment in 1997... And the ballet technique of current Bangarra dancer Yolande Brown. Also, my cultural tutor, Peggi Misi, who introduced me to my traditional language.

What is one of your best/worst/funniest moments as a performer?
The most embarrassing is having to wear costumes that don't fit well! Wombat... That's what the other dancers call me. The best was dancing Unaipon. It was a new technique for me and I loved the challenge.

What have you learnt by working with Bangarra?
I've learnt more about traditional dance from Djakapurra and Kathy Marika.

What would you like to be doing in ten years time?
My goal is to stay with Bangarra... then move back home and teach at school... or continue my dance group Bibir. I also want to get back into my painting.

What challenges have you faced in your life and how did you cope with them?
Moving to Sydney and getting used to the busy city life... back home I did things on T.I. time.

What is your favourite way to relax?
Swimming! Staying in the water until my fingers, toes and ergud (mouth) go all nice and wrinkled.

More about Elma

On Sunday 21st the leading lights of Australian dance gathered at the Sydney Opera House for the Australian Dance Awards. The rest of the country may have been watching Australian Idol in the theatre next door, but for Bangarra there was no mistaking where the real excitement was with the company taking home two major awards.

Frances Rings was Bangarra's first winner, when her spectacular work Unaipon earned her the award for Outstanding Performance in Choreography. Bangarra's second trophy went to Patrick Thaiday, who shared the award for Best Male Dancer with Paul Zivkovich of the Australian Dance Theatre.

The evening's highlight came when Bangarra's Artistic Director Stephen Page announced freelance dancer Antony Hamilton as the inaugural recipient of the Russell Page Fellowship for Contemporary Dance. The Fellowship, which is to be presented annually, was established to support emerging contemporary dancers. Stephen said: "Russell's artistry was characterised by both grace and generosity. We are delighted to offer this fellowship in his name."

Rheannan Port
in Bush

When Qantas celebrated the creative talents of young Australians at the Spirit of Youth Awards last month, Bangarra dancer Rheannan Port was amongst the winners.

The awards - which are part of the Qantas community initiative Sharing the Spirit - are all about helping talented young things move ahead in their chosen field. The winners were announced at the AGNSW during a ceremony hosted by Triple J presenter Adam Spencer.

Rheannan, winner of the dance category, has made a big impact since joining Bangarra in 2003, impressing all with her enthusiasm, discipline and natural gift for dance. Rheannan, who said she was "surprised, but honoured to win," received significant prizes in cash and free-travel to support her ongoing development.

Message from Telstra
Bangarra and Telstra celebrate a partnership that is helping to increase community understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture. I am pleased to announce that Telstra will continue as the principal sponsor of Bangarra for another three years.

Like Bangarra, Telstra is committed to working with Indigenous communities to help develop and support programs that foster a sense of understanding and cultural pride in all Australians and we look forward to working with Stephen and the team for another three years.

Our sponsorship of Bangarra also delivers on Telstra's commitment to regional Australians by providing increased access to one of Australia's leading dance companies. We will continue to help develop on-line initiatives and to support Bangarra as the company tours regional Australia.

Ted Pretty
Group Managing Director
Telstra Technology, Innovation and Products

About this newsletter
If you received this newsletter from a friend and you would like to join for free, please click here.
To unsubscribe please click here.
To update your details please click here.

Bangarra Dance Theatre respects your privacy. None of the information given by any visitor to our site will be sold, bartered or given to any third party without prior consent. You can view our privacy policy here.

Bangarra Dance Theatre
Pier 4/5 Hickson Road,
Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW 2000
phone: (02) 9251 5333
email: bangarra@bangarra.com.au
web: www.bangarra.com.au