Noongar community members invited to dance workshop to learn about 2023 Statewide dance project

Members of the Noongar community are invited to attend a dance workshop next week to learn how they can be involved in The Stars Descend, an exciting trail of dance performances across regional WA.

The Stars Descend is a dance performance project to be held in March 2023, created by Annette Carmichael Projects, a local production company headed by Denmark-based choreographer and dance artist Annette Carmichael.

The project will bring dance performances by choreographers Simon Stewart and Rachael Colmer, with music by Azariah Felton, to five locations — Margaret River, Northcliffe, Porongurup, Fitzgerald and Kalgoorlie.

Working alongside Noongar community members, they aim to create immersive performances in beautiful outdoor settings that will celebrate WA’s biodiversity and tell a story of climate action and hope.

Carmichael said The Stars Descend was a collaborative project, with support from Gondwana Link which formed the basis of the performance locations.

“The project is inspired and informed by consultation with First Nation elders, scientists and ecological groups,” she said.

“It is co-created by some of WA’s most impactful artists, and will be performed by local people who care about the incredible ecology of their community.”

The Stars Descend has received funding from the Minderoo Foundation, STRUT Dance, CircuitWest, the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, Regional Arts WA, Regional Arts Australia, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund, Rowley Foundation and Arts Impact WA.

A dance workshop and yarning circle will be held next week at the Albany Entertainment Centre, with Noongar people from the age of 14 invited to learn more about the project.

No previous dancing experience is required.

Childcare and catering will be provided during the workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Kalyenup Studio at the Albany Entertainment Centre from 5.30pm-8pm on Friday, September 2.

To register for the workshop, visit bit.ly/3dVACLH.