Garramilla | Darwin

In 2024 we combined many activities into one Youth Dance Program, delivered by our Dance Animateur, SJ Spillett

Tracks Youth Leadership Program

Supporting the next generation of dance artists in the Northern Territory

Over the course of 2024, four young dance participants had the opportunity to develop their artistic practice and experience how to navigate the arts sector as an independent artist and take on leadership roles within an organization, with the support and guidance of SJ Spillett. The program was designed for young people in the realm of dance or movement, of an intermediate level of experience in any style. It was tailored for individuals who had showcased leadership qualities, offering them a supportive environment meet weekly and nurture their curiosity and take bold creative risks. They performed at Seabreeze, Dance 24 Fundraier at Darwin High, and Fresh Tracks in Darwin Fringe Festival.
Creative Lead: SJ Spillett
Youth Leaders: Jules Gaboor, Maddy Lefebvre, Rama Wisuda, Sophia Hodges
Schools Engagements: Palmerston Senior College (Special Education Unit), Casuarina Senior College, Sanderson Middle School (Artist in School Grant), Good Shepherd College, Milkwood Steiner School, Nightcliff Middle School, Haileybury Rendall School

"I'm so excited and inspired by the curiousity and hunger of these Youth Dance Leaders. This program is all about providing a space and platform for young dance artists to amplify their voices, take creative risks and connect to their community. This year is going to be dope! Lessgooo!"

- SJ Spillett

Museum of Mysteries

A Partnership between Darwin Symphony Orchestra and Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory

A Choreographed Quest for Curious Young Minds. Movement workshops were facilitated by SJ Spillett with primary schools across Darwin and Palmerston in October 2024. Young learners were guided through curiosities of history, culture, and nature by experts at the Museum, before joining with DSO musicians to create  exciting short dance performances inspired by their newfound knowledge. The performance, with audiences on picnic rugs, was held on the lawns at MAGNT and combined music and movement, sparking creativity and inspiring children to explore the world around them.
 

Suburban Dance Jams

A Partnership with The Shak and Sietta Creative 

Suburban Dance Jams fostered and activated dance for young people living in Darwin’s northern suburbs. Dance is a healthy, inclusive, physical activity, which is able to promote collective spirit, group cohesion and creative thinking. Suburban Dance Jams is designed to run throughout 2024 with workshops after school during school term and during school holidays, culminating in a Block Party for young people and their family and friends at the end of the year. Suburban Dance Jams was a project that  provided an opportunity for local artists to connect with young people who may be disadvantged or lack access to have access to dance or music workshops, especially in the realm of Rapping and music producing. The local artists involved were able to share their knowledge, inspirations and demonstrate the possibilities outside of sport and academics. The Block Party was a testament of the relationships that were built over time; the trust and confidence the young people had developed to perform in front of their peers.

Proudly supported by Territory Family, Housing and Communities by Darwin Youth Services
 

Artistic Team: SJ Spillett, Iselle Chua, James Mangohig, Riley P, Synta
Youth Support Team: Britt Guy, I Made Liam Budalasia, Tahlia Biggs, Jess Devereux, The Shak Youth Workers
Production Team: Duane Preston, Ward Hancock (Speargrass Hifi), Sam Gulliver, Sean Pardy
Guest Performers: Jimmy Rambles, PhlTheBeat

School Workshops

Workshops were held at Sanderson Middle School (Artist in Schools program), Palmerston College Special Education Centre, Milkwood Primary School, and Lajamanu School (May, and September) and Nightcliff Middle School

Company Partners

Tracks Inc is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

Tracks 2024

Artistic Director: David McMicken
Company Director: Sean Pardy
Associate Artistic Director: Jess Devereux
Production Manager: Duane Preston
Creative Producer: Britt Guy
Dance Animateurs: Kelly Beneforti and Steph Spillett
Administrator: Debbie Micairan
Bookkeeper: It Figures
Auditors: Brian Tucker Audit

Committee Members: Chairperson: Max Dewa Stretton/David Taylor. Treasurer: Glenn Bernardin. Ordinary Members: Andrea Wicking, David Taylor, Max Stretton, Lachlan Peattie, Rachael Wallis, Anna Lindsay, Venaska Cheliah, Sarah Rennie. Ex-Officio: David McMicken, Sean Pardy