As the year comes to an end, NAISDA will present its end-of-year performance yana galuring on Friday, December 8.
The performance will be held at the Central Coast campus of Australia’s leading First Nations arts training organisation.
Meaning “come this way” in Darkinjung language, yana galuring features contemporary dance stories and new works performed and choreographed by NAISDA’s emerging dance artists.
Produced by NAISDA’s Creative Producer Jasmine Gulash, and curated by Unit Manager Performance and Production Angie Diaz, yana galuring promises a restorative celebration, marking the culmination of the year.
The dynamic and emotionally-charged program of dance works draws strength from connection to country, culture and community.
NAISDA Chief Executive Officer Kim Walker said the production was a representation of the students’ achievements and learning journeys this year.
“This new production showcases our emerging dance artists’ creativity, skills development and growth,” Walker said.
“It continues NAISDA’s strong legacy of presenting works which truthfully reflect contemporary Australian society and unsilence stories through the powerful voice of dance.”
The intimate performance is by invitation only and includes a drop-in afternoon of conversation, film screenings and barbecue from 4.30pm.
The drop-in period is part of an activation of the artwork Embassy brought to NAISDA by Gosford Regional Gallery from the proppaNOW Occurrent Affair exhibition on display at the gallery until February 11.
Richard Bell’s artwork Embassy has been inspired by the first Aboriginal tent embassy pitched on the grounds of Canberra’s Parliament House in 1972.
NAISDA Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus, Carole Y Johnson, will share her story and reflection on the tent embassy protest as part of the afternoon program.
NAISDA’s roots trace back to a dance performance by Johnson in 1972 on the lawns of Parliament House in protest of the government’s intent to destroy the Aboriginal tent embassy.
“This is a unique opportunity for community to hear Carole’s story, reflect on NAISDA’s role in that pivotal moment in history, and acknowledge our enduring voice of protest on country that has never been ceded,” Walker said.