June 10th  - Larrakeyah Primary School

Core Artists: Alyson Evans, Rachael Wallis, James Mangohig, David McMicken

Bridging Generations through dance and storytelling.

Core Tracks Artists: Rachael Wallis (Dance, grandchildren attend Larrakeyah), Alyson Evans (Storytelling and Theatre), David McMicken (Dance and Direction), James Mangohig (Music Producer), Larrakeyah Primary School Students

At the heart of our project lies a beautiful collaboration between Tracks Dance core artists and Larrakeyah Primary School, a celebration of intergenerational storytelling that revitalises the rich tapestry of knowledge shared between young artists and our respected seniors. As artist Rachael Wallis beautifully states, “Our children learn at the feet of our Elders, looking up to them.” This highlights the vital role Elders play as teachers and dynamic participants in the creative process.

Working hand in hand with Tracks Dance professional artists, students will share personal stories of time, memory and place through accessible, intergenerational creative processes built on dance and Storytelling.

Simultaneously, Tracks will be working with the Grey Panthers, Australia’s longest-running Senior Dance Troupe, based in Darwin, who have been dancing and performing since 1988 (several of whose grandchildren attend Larrakeyah Primary). We would be looking towards a possible future moment where both groups might come together.

During Term 2 we worked towards a presentation at Assembly that combined dance, newly created soundtrack, integrated with stories from the students. We invited students to join our Darwin Festival Show - The Nanna Effect and used the recorded stories in the soundtrack.

Term 3 was focused on Dance, creating 2 dances performed at Assembly.

Two students performed live in our Nanna Effect show, one from Chinese heritage (Evylyn Lin), and the other Mongolian (Amilun Wuda), who also had some of her music put into the soundtrack.

As the New Approach Think Tank states: Intergenerational arts and culture are essential to being human, drivers of wellbeing and productivity, fostering innovation, imagination and expression, and the building blocks of community and place. Nana agrees.

Nannas are tasked with the important responsibility of sharing their wisdom while embracing the fresh younger perspectives. They are essential pillars of our community, bridging generations. They carry with them rich traditions, wisdom, and cultural heritage that inspire the youth. Through resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering spirit, Nannas impart valuable lessons of grace and positivity. Active in the community, they orchestrate gatherings, support families, and provide the connective tissue that binds us all together—often through the universal language of food.