Grey Panthers 2026
Over 60's Dance Troupe and Classes
Throughout the year, 2026
Begins Wednesday, February 4 (Coomalie) and Friday, February 6 (Darwin)
10 am-12 (Coomalie), 9.30 am-11 (Darwin)
$10 donation per class
Batchelor Tavern, Batchelor (Coomalie), Tracks Dance Studio (Darwin)
Tracks believes that dance is an important part of life at any age. A great example of this is The Grey Panthers, a dance troupe for people over 60. If you're looking to stay active or try something new in retirement, joining The Grey Panthers can be a fun way to keep moving and meet wonderful new friends.
Founded in 1988, The Grey Panthers is one of the longest-running dance groups for seniors in Australia. They hold weekly dance classes every Friday morning in Darwin and every Wednesday morning in Batchelor, from February to December. The group regularly performs at community events in Darwin and surrounding areas, showcasing a mix of traditional and new dance pieces, often for charitable causes or senior-focused gatherings.
Additionally, as part of an ongoing project - Generating Divergence, David McMicken leads a weekly group focused on research and developing dance skills, encouraging creativity and improvisation in a relaxed environment that differs from the usual class structure. This class also involves storytelling for Seniors.
Performances in 2026
To be announced as they happen!
March 15, 2026, Amazing Greys Cabaret. This one-hour show involved 32 performers from Darwin, Palmerston, Noonamah, and the Coomalie Region. Dances came from historic repertoire and had all the major choreographers who had worked with the group. Interlaced through the shows were personal stories of dance, performances, and memories.
May 9th Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Program Leaders
Darwin: David McMicken, Kelly Beneforti, and Guests
Batchelor: Darryl Butler (assisted by Ellen Hankin)
(With guest facilitator David McMicken)
Grey Panthers Members
Darwin Participants: Anita Bowmen, Barbara Pollock, Clare Heath, Connie Vlastuin, Darryl Butler, Debra Rowe, Di Koser, Di Lucas, Ellen Hankin, Elsa Gibbons, Esther Egger, Francess Perrett, Jacinta Chartres, Janine Sutter, Jen Howson, Jenni Sanderson, Jenny Young, Jo-Anne Blain, Julie Pudney, Kathie Rea, Katrina Harding, Lillian Mann, Lyn Minchin, Mara Dobrini, Marg Lee, Maria Vlastuin, Marian Patterson, Natina Demetriou, Nikki Charlesworth-Canning, Robyn Boyle, Toni Vine-Bromley, Trish Greenfield, Valerie Hristova, Wendy Levy
Coomalie Participants: Anne-Marie Parnaby, Darryl Butler, Ellen Hankin, Margaret Couper, Marjan LeFaucheur, Michelle Cunneen, Nannette Gilles, Pat Simmonds, Prue King, Richard Luxton, Sue Mornane
Tracks 2026
Staff: Artistic Director: David McMicken. Artistic Leadership Team: Rachael Wallis, James Mangohig, Jenelle Saunders, Kelly Beneforti, and Alyson Evans. Company Director: Sean Pardy. Production Manager: Duane Preston. Administrator: Ciella Williams. Bookkeeper: It Figures. Auditors: AMW Audit
Committee Members: Chairperson: David Taylor. Treasurer: Glenn Bernardin. Ordinary Members: Andrea Wicking, Claudia Lee, Lachlan Peattie, Max Stretton, Rachael Wallis, Sarah Rennie, Venaska Cheliah. Ex-Officio: David McMicken, Sean Pardy
Warlpiri Advisor: Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick