A Tracks / Lajamanu dance development project
In line with our strategic plan we are expanding the representation of our “Knowledge Base and Creative Intelligence”. Tracks has a 30 year relationship working in the remote Indigenous community of Lajamanu with initial connection with Lajamanu began in the late 80’s. This time was shared with anthropologists, educators, linguists and cultural workers. Many of these relationships have survived to the current day.

Track’s Lajamanu legacy is of national and international significance and needs to be documented in a manner in which the body of knowledge is accessible and usable by Lajamanu community members as well as the world at large, and which incorporates other researchers fields of expertise.

Building on the Milpirri Banner Home Page which is defined by the Jukurrpa (dreaming/law) meanings held with the Banner designs, Body Dance Design aims to research the knowledge embodied within the Milpirri dances and associated body designs captured on documentation through video and photographs. Collating this knowing and working out how to share this rich Australian Warlpiri knowledge with the world will be done through 3 phases:

1. Initial Research Darwin and Lajamanu
Gather and collate known resources (Darwin), and one week research trip in Lajamanu for David and Tim to work with long term collaborators (since 1988) and Lajamanu elders to affirm that the base information we will be exploring is relevant and correct.

2. Development of Academic Writing
Partnering with Professor Jennifer L. Biddle , Tracks will gather information around the dancers and body designs found in the Milpirri performances (going back to 2005) and through Dr Biddle’s ongoing research.

3. Research Warlpiri Knowledge Found Internationally - Europe
The Warlpiri people have been heavily researched over the past 4 decades. Much of this knowledge exists in international contexts (keeping places such as Universities and Art Galleries), especially due to the work of Anthropologists and linguists. We would like to ensure that our 3 decades if work and embedded knowledge can sit alongside and link with other people’s research.
Focussed work with Barbara Glowczewski  based in Paris, and Educationalist Christiane Fennell based near Hamburg.

Dates:
May - Lajamanu field trip
September - Paris field trip

Creative personnel: Tim Newth, David McMicken with Lajamanu Elders: Jerry Jangala Patrick, Myra Nungarrayi Herbert
Anthropologists: Barbara Glowczewski, Dr Jennifer Biddell