Welcome to the January 2005 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:
  Momix, Cactus Opus - special offer

Stephen Page: new work Mimic

Following the sell-out success of Clan last year, Bangarra returns in 2005 with an exciting new work, Mimic.

• VAC, Melbourne, from June 9
• QPAC, Brisbane, from June 23
• Sydney Opera House, from July 14

Artistic Director, Stephen Page, has entered his 'creative cave' to produce his first new work since Bush in 2003.

Stephen is currently consulting with extraordinary traditional artist and performer Djakapurra Munyarryun - developing ideas and exploring the traditional stories of the Munyarryun clan. Djakapurra has contributed to some of Bangarra's most memorable works and is famous for his performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.

The Company will begin rehearsals for Mimic in March. We look forward to revealing full show details in the coming weeks.
Dates and venues

Patrick Thaiday grew up in Mackay, Qld. He says his desire to dance comes from his ancestors from Lifu, South Sea Islands and Jamaica. In 2004 Patrick won Best Male Performer at the Ausdance Awards.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a dancer?
In '98 when I came to Sydney to study at Naisda.

Who inspires you in your everyday life?
Everyday people. My family, friends and even strangers... When people give from the heart I find that captivating.

What have you learnt by working with Bangarra?
How to become a professional dancer and maintain a career.

What is one of your best/worst/funniest moments as a performer?
The best was dancing with Bangarra and Christine Anu at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics. The worst was on the same night. I had to connect a safety harness to Christine, but I couldn't attach it. The world could see me desperately running after her, panicking, trying to make it look like part of the performance. It's funny now but at the time it was really scary.

What would you like to be doing in ten years time?
I was thinking about seeing a clairvoyant to answer this one. I don't really think that far ahead. But I'd like to run a small business in either dance or fashion.

What challenges have you faced in your life and how did you cope with them?
Dealing with death; losing someone close to me... For me the best medicine is my family.

What is your favourite way to relax?
I spend time with friends, have a drink and listen to Fleetwood Mac.

More about Patrick

Waangenga Blanco and
Barbra Drummond

We are pleased to welcome two exciting new dancers into the Bangarra fold for 2005.

Waangenga Blanco
From: Mission Beach, Nth Queensland
Studied: 3-years at Naisda
Likes: Haiku (Japanese poetry)
Inspired by: LIFE
Says: "I'm looking forward to representing my culture throughout the world."

More about Waangenga

Barbra Drummond
From: Townsville, Nth Queensland
Studied: Diploma of Dance, Naisda
Likes: athletics, sprinting, volleyball
Inspired by: her baby brother, who passed away at 10-months of age.
Says: "The best thing about dancing is the adrenaline rush you get on stage."

Deborah Brown & Sani Townson in Bush

Auckland, Adelaide, Japan. Fresh from last year's US tour, Bangarra will continue to captivate audiences in 2005 with the spellbinding work Bush.

Auckland Festival: March 1 - 6
Six exclusive performances and a special appearance at the Opening Ceremony.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens: March 12
Telstra presents Bangarra in the Gardens for a magic performance at sunset. Free event.

Expo 2005, Aichi Japan: April 21
The world converges on Japan for Expo 2005, and Bangarra will be there to perform Bush.

Full schedule

Momix,
Opus Cactus

New York's Momix brings their extraordinary work, Opus Cactus to Sydney Theatre from Wednesday 26 January. A sell-out when it played in Melbourne last year, this mixture of dance, acrobatics and illusion will enthral all ages. Opus Cactus features a haunting soundtrack (including Brian Eno and Bach) and a truly breathtaking world of cacti, lizards, flowers and tumbleweeds created by acclaimed choreographer Moses Pendleton.

Special offer: when you make your booking on (02) 9250 1999, mention this Bangarra e-news item and get your second adult ticket at concession prices for performances in the first week of the season up to and including February 2 - a saving of over $10!

Click here for more information.

Message from Telstra
Bangarra and Telstra celebrate a partnership that is helping to increase community understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture.

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.

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

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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