2011 Grey Panthers
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Tracks Dance Studio, Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts, Darwin City
Throughout year 2011
Over 60's Dance Troupe and Classes
Lots of performances and a new set of red dresses!
Seabreeze Festival, Darwin High School Fund Raiser, Millner Primary School, Biggest Morning Tea, Railway Club, Fun Run for Darwin Festival, Pearl Aged Care, Tiwi Aged Care Centre, Firemen’s Christmas Party.
New dances ‘Cabaret’ by Jess Devereux and ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ by Joanna Noonan entered the repertoire.
We also saw the sad passing of Audrey Gorring in 2011, a long-standing member of the Grey Panthers since 1989. Audrey was posthumously given an award as a tribute for over 50 years of contribution to the arts and theatre in the Northern Territory and her long-term dedication to volunteering.
Some Quotes from the women
It is an important part of my life.
I love the comradeship
There is such a nice sense of inclusivity, you have the support of the whole group behind you, and this lets you ‘make a fool of yourself’ without worrying about anything
My granddaughter calls me “my trendy Nan” and I love this.
Love, happy, laughing, it’s the general well-being that’s wonderful.
Exercise, breathing, joy and personal growth. I think it keeps me out of the hospital.
We are learning all the time, new things, it keeps us young
GP’s is the most important part of my life.
I feel like I “belong” to the Grey Panthers, it is something that is a part of me.
I’m proud of being a part of the Grey Panthers
Creative Personnel
Program Leaders: Joanna Noonan, David McMicken, and Jess Devereux
Choreographers: Joanna Noonan, David McMicken, and Jess Devereux
Participants
Antonietta Vanzella, Bette Chapman, Carmel Alderson, Diane Mount, Ellen Hankin, Gwen Varney, Helen Mannion-Esparon, Hilary Bassett, Jan Hastings, Janine Sutter, Janis Lewis, Joan Worth, Judith Samuels, Judith Allen, Judy Markwell, Judy McKerr, Judy Weepers, Kathleen Harding, Kay Brown, Lillian Mann, Liz Gammon, Lucy Aylett, Marg Lee, Marge Duminski, Maria Vlastuin, Mavis Waddell, Patricia Doyle, Patricia O’Neil, Punny Vegter, Robyn Ducat, Shirley Somers, Val Hristova
Tracks 2011
Co-Artistic Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth
General Manager: Susan Congreve
Dance Animateur: Jess Devereux
Production Manager: Kelly Blumberg
Administrator: Gail Evans
Bookkeeper: Caroline Voigt
Development Consultants: Michelle Silby, Suzanne Fermanis
Milpirri Executive Officer: Susan Congreve
Committee Members: (Chair) David Taylor, (Vice-Chair) Jill MacAndrew, (Treasurer) Glenn Bernardin, (Secretary/Public Officer) Michael Grant, (Ordinary Committee Members) Ken Conway, Nick Papandonakis, Joanna Barrkman, Stephanie Cvirn, (Ex-Officio Members) David McMicken and Tim Newth
Public Fund Trustees: Rev. Steve Orme, Dr Anita Toth, Paul Wan
Patron: His Honour Mr Tom Pauling QC, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Mrs Tessa Pauling
Photos
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Responses
"Each session with the Grey Panthers is a big one. They are storytellers of a unique kind, with a punch line that would make many a listener blush. They require that you are clear in your delivery, that you are consistent and aware of pace, and they don’t do LOUD. They are inherently in tune with their body and its capabilities because they love to dance - they adore music, these art forms as much a part of their life’s journey as the places they have lived and the people they have loved. They can’t possibly know how astounding their lives are to us, and as they share their memories, you imagine the younger Grey Panther as a child, a teenager, a newlywed and a mother. The first day you work with them, you sense the depth of friendship amongst the group as they sit patiently waiting to warm up and dance. The chairs are in place, and they are on time even if you're not. It is a privilege I will treasure in my own memories, they have kind eyes, warm yet insistent advice, and when the giggling starts, it’s been an awesome class." Joanna Noonan