Welcome to the October 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:
  Special offer Sydney Opera House - Zero Visibility Corp
  Special offer State Library NSW - Mao's Last Dancer
  Art Gallery of NSW Seven Deadly Sins - 'Wrath' talk by Stephen Page

Earthdancer

November 25, 2005 - Sydney Theatre

Russell Page (1968-2002)

Earthdancer on November 25, 2005 is the second in a series of special performances produced to raise money for the Russell Page Fellowship. Established to celebrate and commemorate the life of one of Bangarra's and indeed Australia's most loved performers, the late Russell Page, the Fellowship is a new initiative designed to support the career development of Australia's best up-and-coming dancers.

The performance on November 25 will see some of these wonderful artists gracing the stage of Sydney Theatre with a stellar line-up including Bangarra, Force Majeure, Legs on the Wall and the Australian Ballet. Deb Mailman MCs the night alongside star of Page 8 and Bangarra's composer David Page, with other guest performers including Christine Anu. A highlight of the evening will be a performance of the new work developed by the inaugural Russell Page Fellow Antony Hamilton.

Tickets are now selling fast through the STC Box Office on 02 9250 1777 or on-line at Sydney Theatre for only $60 or the special freelance artists' price of $25. We encourage you to book early both to enjoy this wonderful night of quality entertainment and to support the next generation of Australia's star dancers and choreographers.

Deborah Brown

Deborah at a photo shoot for Clan

Born in 1978, Brisbane, Deborah is a descendant of Wakaid Clan, Badu Island. Her grandmother is a descendant of the Mer people, Murray Island, Baizam Clan. Deborah is also of Scottish descent. She joined Bangarra in 2003.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a dancer?
My mother first enrolled me into dance when I was five years old and my love for dance grew so, by the time I was fourteen I had the goal to become a dance teacher. My interest then changed towards a career in acting but it wasn't until I suffered an ankle injury in 2002 that I knew for sure that I loved dancing and wanted to pursue a career as a dancer.

Who inspires you in your everyday life?
Both my mother and father inspire me. Even more so recently, since visiting them on Thursday Island and hearing more stories of their younger selves. I'm proud of who they are and where they've come from.

Deb reeling them in

What have you learnt by working with Bangarra?
Reconnecting with a deeper form of dance as well as discovering and challenging what my body can do as a dancer.

What is one of your best/worst/funniest moments as a performer?
Best - Performing a Torres Strait sit down dance on stage before my mum. She was so happy. Or any time I finally nail a step that I've had the most problem with.

Worst - getting my feet caught in a costume therefore limiting my range of movement.

Funniest - The funniest moments always happen during rehearsals. Although the company works hard we all know how to have a good laugh!

What challenges have you faced in your life and how did you cope with them?
I think I've been fortunate not to have had a difficult life. As a dancer I do face challenges with my flexibility and health in general so, my attitude towards that is to continue to grow at my pace and to stay positive. When I was younger I never thought I was built to be a dancer but my love for it helps me continue to grow.

What is your favourite way to relax?
Most recently I've learnt to to take time out for myself. I love a good book, I love a good movie and I love good music so immersing myself in these helps me relax.

Deb bustin' a move!

More about Deborah

Spirit Regional Tour

Bangarra dancer Jhuny-Boy Borja has many talents - not the least of which are his abilities as a great photographer and writer. Here he takes us behind the scenes of the recent Spirit regional tour.

Swinging Jhunys The shoreline along Cleveland Bay in Townsville is called The Strand and has been developed into a recreational strip and there are many playgrounds, which mean plenty of opportunities for interesting pictures! Setting up this photo was five times the fun of your average picture. This is a collage of photos taken by fellow dancer Yolande.
Sky Surfing Yolande Another swing further down the Strand.
	Signpost This is on top of the city lookout in Mount Isa. We're a long way from home!
And this is the view. Mount Isa Lights
Resting Patrick Rehearsing at each new venue usually involves waiting around for technical aspects to be addressed. It can also be quite tiring so we get rest whenever we can. This was taken at the Civic Theatre in Mount Isa.
Deb Takes a Shot Things look pretty grim for the Moth couple in this game at the Irish Club in Mount Isa. Don't worry, though- they end up sinking the next eight balls.
Port of Sale I had ordered my pre-show dinner and, as I waited for it, I walked along the river behind the theatre to take this picture.
	From The Torres To The Bass We had a day off in Launceston and a group of us drove down the Tamar Valley to Greens Beach, looking out to Bass Strait. These dancers are from the straits on the opposite side of the continent to this one.
Bridge across Cataract Gorge Launceston was having one of the wettest Septembers on record and the gorge was full with raging white water. This suspension bridge across it swings a lot as you walk over it. Incredibly, all this is a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the city.
Jasmine Hang Gliding Further up the gorge we were able to cable hang glide. Jasmine, the Company Manager, was the first of our group to give it a go. A quick burst of excitement.

RIZE free Sydney screening

Hopscotch Films and Bangarra Dance Theatre are thrilled to present a special free screening in Sydney of the new film Rize for Bangarra Songlines Subscribers and the Indigenous community.

• What: Free screening of RIZE (Rated M 15+)
• When: Tuesday 8th November, 6.30pm
• Where: Dendy Newtown Cinema, 261 King St, Newtown
  
• How: RSVP to emma@hopscotchfilms.com.au with "Rize/ Bangarra" in the subject heading. Please supply full name and mailing address details in the email so they can post out the double pass.
  
• Tickets are strictly limited so get in quick!

About RIZE:
Rize, made by renowned photographer and video clip maker David LaChapelle, is one of the most infectiously energetic and inspiring documentary films in years. It exuberantly demonstrates the rise of Clowning and Krumping, a startling new form of street dance subculture, which has grown beneath the mass-media's radar.

"This is our ghetto ballet," says the dancer named Dragon. "It's the only way we can feel like we belong." The young residents of south central LA, whose seemingly endless history of gang violence has compelled them to form healthier rivalries around the practice of similar but distinct forms of dance. In an area besieged by drive-by shootings, drug deals and unemployment, it offers an optimistic alternative, a means of self-expression and a chance to channel positive energy. It's a way to subvert turf animosity and rechannel it into team dance battles: Make art, not war.

Remember the breakdance films of the 1980s? Well imagine a new style of dance: one that is creatively and physically demanding and performed at incredible speed with unbelievable agility. Then imagine the rival dance gangs settling their differences in a major auditorium with an old-fashioned dance battle, a la "Electric Boogaloo." Then imagine that it's all real. Throw in compelling and poignant interviews with LaChapelle's subjects and a thumping hip-hop soundtrack and you have Rize. Taking advantage of unprecedented access, combined with biting social commentary and larger-than life characters and you have the trials, tragedies and triumphs of a community that dances to stay alive. Think Breakdance meets Spellbound and you have one of the most crowd-pleasing, must-see film events of the year.

More info about RIZE

Zero Visibility Corp

...it's only a rehearsal is a startling and sensual 21st century duet by Norway's leading contemporary dance company, zero visibility corp.

It is a story of love and revenge inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, a Greek legend in which the virgin goddess Artemis wreaks revenge on Actaeon, the hunter, after he sees her bathing naked. The dancers inhabit the psychological depths of the lovers with ease, the partnership crackling with chemistry as they move from nonchalance to passion to wild, sexual aggression. This is exciting physical theatre that combines contemporary dance, acrobatics and breakdancing.

Founded in 1996, zero visibility corp. is acclaimed throughout Europe for its highly athletic movement, innovative visuals and for constantly breaking the conventional models of dance and performance. Through improvisation, and collaboration with sound artists and stage designers, the company's work combines action, visuals and intellect.

Sydney Opera House is proud to present zero visibility corp. in their only Australian season before heading to New York.

PLAYHOUSE, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
1-12 NOVEMBER
TUESDAY - SATURDAY 8PM

SPECIAL OFFER
Purchase tickets for Thursday 3, Friday 4 or Saturday 5 November for only $33 (a saving of $12 on full price tickets).

This is a limited seating allocation and the offer is valid until Tuesday 1 November.

To access this special offer call 02 9250 7777 and quote 'DANCE INDUSTRY OFFER'.

Also! All Preview tickets for Tuesday 1 November only $33 and Under 25's pay only $25!
More information

Acclaimed dancer, the inspirational Li Cunxin, talks about his sensational life and career as portrayed in his book Mao's Last Dancer.

Li journeys from one moment in time which changed the course of his life as a peasant boy in poverty, to becoming one of the best dancers in the world.

• What: Talk by Li Cunxin: Mao's Last Dancer
• Date: Tuesday 29 November, 2005
• Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
• Venue: Dixon Room, Mitchell Wing, State Library New South Wales, Macquarie St, Sydney
• Tickets: Special offer for Bangarra subscribers - $11. Phone 02 9273 1770 or email bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au and ask for the "Bangarra Special Offer"

More information

Stephen Page will talk about «Wrathˇ

SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Wrath @ Bangarra Dance Studios (Pier 4, Walsh Bay)
Thursday 10 November

Ideologies, Politics & The Critic. Come see how these points of views are translated into creative performance pieces for a night of talks at Bangarra Dance Theatre Studios for the 4th sin of Contempo's Lecture Series - Wrath.

Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, will speak on his thoughts of life in Indigenous communities and how these views influence his choreography that transpires into the beautiful, vibrant dance pieces that Bangarra Dance Theatre are so well known for.

Megan Spencer, Film Critic for Triple J and SBS will bring us her knowledge and creative insights, giving us her opinions as a film critic and how these views evolve into her critique of film. Experience her "edge" that makes her so good at what she does.

Join us for our Sin debut of Nell Schofield, TV presenter extraordinaire, with us for the first of many of our Seven Deadly Sins Series. Nell will be our MC on the night introducing our two speakers and talking about Wrath, past and present, and how it has translated into performance, media and other entertainments.

This night of Wrath will end with bites, drinks and letting go of your aggression whilst overlooking the soothing views of Sydney's gorgeous harbour.

6.30PM - 8.30PM
Thursday 10 November
Bangarra Dance Studios
End of wharf, Pier 4/5, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

$35 MEMBERS, $45 NON-MEMBERS

FOR BOOKINGS CALL - 02 92251878 (Bangarra Songlines subscribers are eligible for the members price.)

More about Seven Deadly Sins Lecture Series

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.

David Moffatt
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