Mindil Beach, Darwin City

July 1, 2016
Territory Day

International Event

As we celebrate what it means to be Territorian, Tracks Dance company brings to Darwin an international event, which unites our community in the belief that “everyone can dance”.

Watch video the "Big Dance" Darwin performance

See Photos of "Big Dance" Darwin

World-renowned choreographer Akram Khan

Big Dance is the UK’ s biggest celebration of dance and dancing. In 2014, Ausdance NSW brought Big Dance to the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Today Big Dance is performed in our most cherished natural icon, Mindil Beach with the sun setting over the ocean, and puts Darwin on the world map. This year the choreography is by world-renowned Akram Khan, and the music was composed by the equally renowned Asian fusion musician Nitin Sawhney. 77 Darwin dancers joined in to take part in the Top End's biggest-ever group dance.

Big Dance began in the UK in 2006. Since its inception it has spread internationally to cities and towns around the world, involving entire global communities, and encouraging fun through dance. Since its inception, Big Dance has spread to other places in the world and in 2014 Ausdance NSW in partnership with Sydney Dance Company brought it to Australia, enabling Sydney to join the ranks with a huge performance of 'The Big Dance choreography' at the Sydney Opera House and two regional locations. The choreography was created by Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company.

For every Big Dance event, an internationally renowned choreographer is chosen to create a 5-minute dance that has the versatility for the widest possible assortment of dancers, of all skill levels, to join in. The choreography is taught to dance teachers who go on to teach the dance to as many people as possible. It goes viral and rapidly evolves into the largest celebration of dance in the world.

We are very excited to have the opportunity to lead Big Dance Australia 2016 as part of the Northern Territory Government's signature Territory Day celebrations, in association with Big Dance UK.

Big Dance Australia

Michelle Silby, Director of Big Dance Australia, said:

"We are excited to announce that this year's Big Dance choreographer is Akram Khan. Khan, originating from Bangladesh and now based in the UK practices intertwined movement rooted in classical kathak and contemporary dance."

The public performance is filmed, edited and then uploaded to the official Big Dance website, joining the rest of the world.  The NT Big Dance film will also be featured at this year’s Australian Dance Awards being held in Perth, WA.

To get an idea of the event and to see the original choreography, go to the Big Dance UK website.

Creative Team

Choreographer: Akram Khan

Music: Nitin Sawhney

Big Dance Australia Director: Michelle Silby, Ausdance NSW

Big Dance NT Coordinator: Bryn Wackett

NT Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti, Bryn Wackett, David McMicken, Stuart Fong

Performers

Alex McInnes, Amy Simpson, Andrew John Arthur, Andrew Blundell, Anna Dowd, Annette Brown, Antonietta Vanzella, Ashley Birkin, Alexia Amy, Barry Thomson, Bronte Hewett, Bryn Wackett, Carmel Alderson, Chandrika Munasinghe, Chay Arthur, Christine Murphy, Darlene Wright, Darryl Butler, David McMicken, David Taylor, Demi Poort, Di Sinclair, Eldon Arthur, Ellen Hankin, Eve Rivalland, Gabriele Driver, Gwen Varney, Jack Hewett, Janine Sutter, Jasper Mules, Jenelle  Saunders, Jenni Sanderson, Jennifer Warren-Bender, Jo Parish, Joanne Edwards, Jonathan Tan, Josephine Brine, Judy Markwell, Julie Hepburn, Karen Schmiing, Kathryn Lloyd, Kathryn McMicken, Kathy Conway, Kelly Beneforti, Kyle Ramboyong, Kyle Adams, Lani Hewett, Loris Lacy, Mal Hunt, Margaret McGregor, Marge Duminski, Maria Vlastuin, Marita Smith, MaryAnn Hinton, Melea Apps, Molly Kroes, Monika Ostermeyer, Natalie Eerden, Nikki Higgins, Pamela Stagg, Pat O'Neill, Peta Elderson, Piper Mules, Putu Desak Warti, Rebecca MacKrow, Rebecca Patrick, Rosa Norman, Rosemary Scrutton, Sara Scrutton, Sarah Lacy, Sarah Hona, Sarah Harpur, Shirley Somers, Stuart Fong, Susan Smith, Toni Vine-Bromley, Valerie Hristova

Project Partners

Festivals NT
Darwin Entertainment Centre
Ausdance NSW
CHARTTES Training Advisory Council

Sponsors

Darwin International Airport, Southern Cross TV

Funding Bodies

Big Dance is supported by the City of Darwin through its 2015/2016 Community Grants Program.

Government 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 2016

Artistic Co-Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth
General Manager: Agnès Michelet
Administrator: Clancy Breasley
Production Manager: Mathew McHugh
Dance Animateur: Kelly Beneforti
Bookkeeper: Noya Chong Wah

Committee Members: Mary Durack (Chairperson), Glenn Bernardin (Treasurer), Michael Grant, David Taylor, Ken Conway, Stephanie Cvirn, Venaska Cheliah. David McMicken, Tim Newth, Agnès Michelet (Ex-Officio Members)

Public Fund Trustees: Rev. Steve Orme, Dr Anita Toth, Ippei Okazaki

Patron: His Honour, The Honourable John Hardy OAM, Administrator of the Northern Territory