The most inclusive exclusive club in the Darwin

You don’t have to be dead, you don’t have to be a singer, you don’t have to dance. You just gotta be alive. And the best way to feel alive is to groove along with the great tunes from our dearly departed singers.

A series of open dance courses throughout the year 

Tracks Dance Studio, Darwin City
Four courses
February, April, July and November

Do you want to dance to great music?

Over a four-week course, you will learn a fun dance routine that celebrates the music of a legendary ‘dearly departed’ singer. Society gatherings (classes) are held in inclusive and supportive dance spaces led by experienced teachers.

Dead Singers Dance Society performances are optional to participants and are held in public spaces at the end of each course, celebrating their achievements.

2022 Society Gatherings

Elvis Presley
2 Feb - 23 March

DSDS began the year with a ‘little less conversation’, and a little more rock and rolling to Elvis Presley. Celebrating Elvis and those who have inspired his music with dynamic energy. Covering heaps of space with 3 pop-up performances animating the Darwin Waterfront providing entertainment to bystanders, restaurant patrons and lurking swimmers in the lagoon.

Choreography and Tutors: Kelly Beneforti, Steph Spillett
Performers:  Anokai Susi, Bernie Murray, Bridget Riggs, Cassy Ellis, Fiona Ray, Heather Docker, Janet Phillips, Marilynne Kirshbaum, Piper Mules, Saskia Strange, Shenagh Gamble, Steph Spillett, Teresa Helm

Chrissy Amphlett 
12 April - 3 May

Aussie rock legend Chrissy Amphlett was our inspiration for round 2 of DSDS, with her wild and unapologetic performance style, and defiant, subversive lyrics. We performed at Dom's Bar and Lounge as part of the Easy Breezy Weekend Festival, where our audience couldn't help but sing along as we reached the final number. After all, who can resist belting out the lyrics "I don't want anybody else, when I think about you I touch myself"?! 

Choreography and tutor: Kelly Beneforti
Performers: Anika Frieling, Saskia Strange, Jenelle Saunders, Erin Costelloe, Katrina Wong, Amy Elson, Mikaela Earnshaw, Teresa Helm, and Kelly Beneforti

Freddie Mercury
6 - 27 July

From his flamboyant style, and four-octave vocal range, to his countless hits, we celebrated the powerhouse frontman, Freddie Mercury from Queen. A special pop-up performance is rocked out at the Darwin Waterfront, delighting restaurant patrons and passers-by.

Choreography and tutors: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
Performers: Bridget Riggs, Saskia Strange, Brendan Flynn, Cathy Malla, Erin Costelloe, Donna McIntyre, Kelsey Bricknell, Natalie Kew, Cecile Schnitzler, Ilena Solaja, Melissa Kelly, Renee Chan and Steph Spillett

Nina Simone
9 - 30 November 

Rounding out the year with the smooth, sultry tones of Nina Simone, we embraced the opportunity to move and laugh together as an antidote to the intensity of the build-up. Audiences arriving for the final Darwin Symphony Orchestra concert of the year were treated to a pop-up performance in the gorgeous twilight, some sipping drinks and watching down from the Darwin Entertainment Centre balcony into the forecourt. 

Choreography and tutor: Kelly Beneforti
Performers: Anika Frieling, Heather Docker, Natalie Kew, Sue Mornane, Flynn, Gabe Martin, Jocelyn Nathanael-Walters, Anita Lakatos, Kelly Beneforti 

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What you need to know

• Venue: Tracks Dance Studio, Darwin.
• The course costs $40 (plus booking fee), whether you attend 1 class or all.
• You need to sign up before the course starts (places are limited).
• The Dead Singers Dance Society is for 18 years or above.
• All are welcome, from no dance experience right up to trained dancers.
• Wear comfy clothes that you can move in
• Dance barefoot or wear dance shoes

Creative Team

Lead Artists: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett 

Responses

“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. 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)

Explore Further

There are many ways you can get involved with Tracks

Get Involved

Company Partner

Tracks Inc is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government

Tracks 2022

Artistic Co-Directors: David McMicken and Tim Newth (Tim is currently on long service leave)
Company Director: Adelaide Wood
Assoc. Artistic Director: Jessica Devereux
Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Administrator: Mikaela Earnshaw, Debbie Macairin
Bookkeeper: It Figures

Committee Members: David Taylor (Chairperson), Max Dewa Stretton (Vice-Chairperson), Glenn Bernardin (Treasurer), Venaska Cheliah, Andrea Wicking, Rachael Wallis, Michael Grant, Ken Conway. David McMicken, Tim Newth, and Adelaide Wood (Ex-Officio Members)

Public Fund Trustees: Maari Gray, Will Crawford, and Lachlan Peattie

Patron: Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory