2003 Grey Panthers
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Tracks Dance Studio, Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts, Darwin City
Throughout year, 2003
2003 saw the Grey Panthers finding a permanent home in the newly created Tracks Dance Studio at Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts. Tracks also employed Julia Quinn as the Dance Animateur, whose job it was to enthuse, animate and up-skill the dance community. She took on the teaching of the weekly class and the women appreciated her fresh approach to movement. The Grey Panthers wowed Darwin audiences with their performance of A Bowls Club Wedding, presented for the Darwin Festival and Seniors Month. This new work grew from the rivalry that was already in the group, with many of the women being Lawn Bowlers, and coming from different clubs in Darwin and Palmerston.
The women also performed their cheerleading routine (created for the Arafura Games Opening Ceremony, but not performed due to its cancellation), and 'History Repeating' with guest dancer Trevor Patrick (Fierce) for Tracks’ Celebration Local.
The women also had a special done by the ABC television for the George Negus show – Health Dimensions
Smaller events the Grey Panthers performed at were: Palmerston University of the Third Age, the Launch
of a Portrait of a Senior Territorian, Seniors Week, Darwin Festival Media Launch, and Darwin Festival Club Night.
Creative Team
Program Leaders: David McMicken, Merrilee Mills, and Julia Quinn
Guest Tutors: Tim Newth, Gail Evans
Choreographers: Sarah Calver, David McMicken, Paia Ingram
Creative Personnel
David McMicken, Julia Quinn and Merrilee Mills,
Guest Artists: Tim Newth, Gail Evans and Yoris Wilson
Choreographers: David McMicken, and Julia Quinn
Participants
Lucy Aylett, Kath Baldwin, Betty Ballinger, Barby Barclay, Kay Brown, Adie Bruce, Bette Chapman, Val Clark, Dotty Daby, Beryl Darben, Diane Dibbins, Nora Francis, Liz Gammon, Margaret Glowacki, Audrey Gorring, Jan Hastings, Kathleen Harding, Val Hayes, Crena Hemmings, Anong Hill, Bobbie Johnstone, Elaine Marlow, Lois Penman, Greta Quong, Shirley Somers, Audrey Svara, Punny Vegter, Mavis Waddell and Jacquie Williams
Tracks 2003
Artistic Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth
General Manager: Suzanne Fermanis
Dance Animateur: Julia Quinn
Book-keeper: Heather Richards
Publicist: Sue Camilleri
Office Administrators: Heather Richards (Jan - Feb), Janice McEwan (March - April), Rukshana Ramachandran (June - August), Jolene Mooney (September -December)
Committee Members: Jackie Wurm (Chair), David Taylor (Vice-Chair), Glenn Bernardin (Treasurer), Kyleigh Hindson (Secretary/Public Officer), Ken Conway, Donna Quong, Jill MacAndrew, Kay Brown (Ordinary Committee Members), David McMicken and Tim Newth (Ex-Officio Members)
Photos
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Responses
“However, it was the contrast, between young and old - dance of the past and dance of present - that gave A Bowls Club Wedding its edge of distinction.” Joanna Barrkman - Real Time Magazine
“A myth busting collective of 20-or-so singing, dancing and acting seniors - delighting and outraging audiences for more than 15 years.” Sunday Territorian
"This year I began working with the Grey Panthers and I have to say that I think it is one of the best things I have ever done. These women are amazing and I sometimes think I learn more from them than they do from me! My teaching has been challenged in the way that I think about the human body and its capabilities – teaching the Grey Panthers has increased my awareness of our unique tool as dancers. So I find that my teaching in other contexts is much more thorough and sensitive. I am very keen to continue working with these wonderful, energetic ladies as it gives me much personal satisfaction." Julia Quinn