Dead Singers Dance Society 2023
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Tracks Dance Studio, Harbour View Plaza, Darwin
Love to dance to great music with others?
Join the Dead Singers Dance Society.
Returning in 2023 the ever-popular “DSDS” is a 4-week dance course where participants learn a fun and achievable routine that celebrates the incredible music of a legendary, dearly departed singer. Open to all, Society Meetings (dance classes) are held in an inclusive and supportive dance space led by Tracks' experienced teachers. At the end of the course, there will be an optional opportunity to show off the dance in front of an audience, or just bust out your new moves, anytime, anywhere.
Anyone can join but numbers are limited for each course. Don't miss out! Only Members truly know what it means to be in the Dead Singers inner circle.
Pop Up Performances
Dead Singers Dance Society performances are optional to participants and are held in public spaces at the end of each course, enabling the community to celebrate their achievements. The performers' names listed below do not include everyone involved in the course.
DSDS #1 PRINCE
8 Feb - 1 March
Facilitators: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
When: Wednesdays 5.30- 6:45 pm
Pop Up performance: International Women's Day rally, pre and post-march - Sat March 4, 2023
The studio was full to the brim with dance lovers and Prince fans, bringing in this fifth year of DSDS with joyful abandon. City of Darwin invited us to perform as part of the walk and celebrations for International Women's Day, and the theme of purple couldn't have been more fitting. We brought the 'purple rain' but thankfully the heavy downpours held out for one morning so we could dance, walk with the beautifully diverse and energised crowd, and then dance again!
Performers: Natina Demetriou, Ron Greaves, Eunice de Ramos, Jenelle Saunders, Anita Lakatos, Gabe Martin, Flynn, Thevi Chelliah, Natalie Kew, Kelly Beneforti
DSDS #2 John Lennon
May 4 - 25
Facilitator: Jenelle Saunders
When: Thursdays 5.30- 6:45pm
Pop Up performance - Sat 27th May at Parap Market!
We're getting into the second edition with another musical legend... He was a musician, song-writer, social activist, pop culture icon and founding member of the Beatles, and we're here to celebrate his influential music - with you! Start guessing which songs you think we'll choose because the discography is epic! This series will be led by legendary DSDS Treasurer Jenelle Saunders, taking you on a magical, mystical, dancing journey through the musical mind and soul of John Lennon.
Performers: Mandy Trueman, Flynn, Natalie Kew, Jenni Sanderson, Jenelle Saunders
DSDS #3 Olivia Newton-John
September 6 - 27
Facilitator: Kelly Beneforti
When: Wednesdays 5.30- 6:45pm
Pop Up performance: Cancer Council NT Fundraiser at Deckchair Cinema - Sunday 15th October
What a perfect opportunity to close out our celebration of Olivia Newton-John...As the pre-film entertainment before the one and only 'Grease', we were delighted to support the Cancer Council NT's fundraiser night at Deckchair Cinema. It was a beautiful evening to recognise Olivia's contribution to both music and film, and the DSDS crew rocked out with epic energy in their incredible 80s aerobic costumes.
Performers: Alex Kersemakers, Natina Demetriou, Jenni Sanderson, Flynn, Anika Oling, Emma Degnian, Anita Lakatos, Severine Meunier, Heather Docker, Amanda Ah Toy, Kelly Beneforti
DSDS #4 Tina Turner
November 8 - 29
Facilitators: Kelly Beneforti and Jenelle Saunders
When: Wednesdays 5.30 - 6.45pm
Pop Up Performance: Kitty Bang Christmas Cabaret at Railway Club - Saturday 9th December
We finished DSDS for 2023 with the Queen of Rock: a truly extraordinary and pioneering musician. Tina's life was full of difficulty and triumph; her career powerfully influenced an era of music - she was an icon of ferocious vitality and determination. We danced (and sang!) our way through four of Tina Turner's most cherished songs and celebrated her life and music at a special Tina Turner tribute edition of the annual Kitty Bang Christmas Cabaret. Sparkles, joy and trickles of sweat abounded on a delightlfully humid and outrageously fun Darwin evening.
Performers: Mandy Trueman, Natalie Kew, Anita Lakatos, Anika Oling, Amanda Ah Toy, Marilynne Kirshbaum, Cecile Schnitzler, Erica Lu, Jenelle Saunders, Jennie Attrill, Kelly Beneforti
Previous Dead Singers Celebrated
Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John, John Lennon, Prince, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Donna Summer, Michael Hutchence, Aretha Franklin, Bollywood stars Sri Devi and Rishi Kapoor, TLC's Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Marie Fredriksson, Elvis Presley, Chrissy Amphlett, Freddie Mercury, Nina Simone
There are currently 200 members of all ages and backgrounds in the Dead Singers Dance Society.
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Creative Team
Lead Artists: Kelly Beneforti, Steph Spillett & Jenelle Saunders
Company Partners
Tracks Inc is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.
Tracks 2023
Artistic Director: David McMicken
Associate Artistic Director: Jess Devereux
Creative Producer: Britt Guy
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
Administrator: Debbie Micairan
Bookkeeper: It Figures
Auditors: Brian Tucker Audit
Committee Members: Chairperson: Max Dewa Stretton. Treasurer: Glenn Bernardin. Ordinary Members: Andrea Wicking, David Taylor, Ken Conway, Lachlan Peattie, Rachael Wallis, Anna Lindsay, Venaska Cheliah. Ex-Officio: David McMicken
Public Fund Trustees: Maari Gray and Michael Grant
Photos
Videos
Venue
Tracks Dance Studio, Darwin
Cost
4-week course costs $40
What you need to know
· The course costs $40, whether you attend 1 class or all.
· You need to sign up before the course starts (places are limited so grab your friends and log on purchase your course ticket)
· The Dead Singers Dance Society is for people 18 years +
· All movers welcome, from zero dance experience right up to trained dancers
· Wear comfy clothes that you can move in
· Dance barefoot or wear soft dance shoes
Responses
"Beautiful energy, great atmosphere in the group, so much fun, I loved every minute of it!" - Cecile Schnitzler (Society Member)
"DSDS has been a great month of fun, laughter and concentration. Thank you so much for your energy, positivity and creativity. The performance was just what I needed to throw away all the gumph of my everyday life and be joyous." - Alex Kersemakers (Society Member)
“Being part of the Dead Singers Dance Society is a hoot! It's a fun and enjoyable way to learn some dance moves in a sociable, open and welcoming environment while also paying tribute to iconic music stars who've sadly left us.” - Henry Parham (Society Member)
“I had the greatest time with DSDS. I loved the fellow dancers acceptance of everyone, the music, the choreography that tested my brain constantly, our fun, animated ‘teachers’ and the pleasure after the performance with what I had achieved.” - Jenni Sanderson (Society Member)
"This is the best thing I have done since moving to Darwin." - Sally Tierney (Society Member)