Grey Panthers 2026
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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 included all the major choreographers who had worked with the group. Interlaced through the show were personal stories of dance, performances, and memories.
May 9th Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival: Latin Medley and Fever
June 7th - Mara's 70th: Burning Love
August 11th - Darwin Festival Park. 70's tribute. Bowie Medley, Love Is In The Air, ABBA Medley
Program Leaders
Darwin: David McMicken, Kelly Beneforti, and Guests (Alyson Evans, Jenelle Saunders, Alfira Sullivan, Clarence Slockee)
Bachelor: Darryl Butler (assisted by Ellen Hankin)
(With guest facilitator David McMicken)
Grey Panthers Members
Darwin Participants: Ailsa PurdonAnita Bowmen, Barbara Pollock, Cherrian Luxton, Clare Heath, Connie Vlastuin, Darryl Butler, Debra Rowe, Di Koser, Di Lucas, Ellen Hankin, Elsa Gibbons, Esther Egger, Francess Perrett, Helen Haritos, Jacinta Chartres, Janine Sutter, Jen Howson, Jenni Sanderson, Jenny Young, Jo-Anne Blain, Julie Pudney, Kathie Rea, Katrina Harding, Lillian Mann, Lorrain Evans, Lorrain Hodgson, Lyn Minchin, Mara Dobrini, Marg Lee, Maria Vlastuin, Marian Patterson, Natina Demetriou, Nikki Charlesworth-Canning, Robyn Boyle, Sue Mornane, 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
Photos
Videos
Tracks has had a consistent focus on dancing and the older adult, wherever we go. We believe that our elders hold valuable cultural information that only comes from age and experience. Their wisdom guides much of what we do, ensuring our focus on dance as a whole-of-life activity remains core to our thinking.
Join the Grey Panthers. Register here, and we will be in touch.
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 (Jan-April), Alana James (April - ). Production Manager: Duane Preston. Administrator: Ciella Williams. Bookkeeper: It Figures. Auditors: AMW Audit
Committee Members: Chairperson: David Taylor (Jan-April), Max Dewa Stretton. Treasurer: Glenn Bernardin (Jan-April). Ordinary Members: Andrea Wicking (Jan to April) Claudia Lee, Lachlan Peattie, Max Stretton, Rachael Wallis, Sarah Rennie, Jacinta Chartres. Ex-Officio: David McMicken, Sean Pardy
Warlpiri Advisor: Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick