A weeklong collaboration between the Central Coast’s own NAISDA Dance College and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) recently brought together aspiring designers, directors, dancers and choreographers for an intensive exploration of creative partnership, cross cultural storytelling and multidisciplinary approaches to performance.
The unique program of collaboration first began in 2019.
This year Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri dancer, choreographer and performer Katina Olsen led the invaluable learning experience Crossing the Line at the NAISDA campus on Darkinjung Land at Kariong.
Leading First Nations artists and cultural contributors also included Dr Nerida Blair, Nardi Simpson and Uncle Gavi Duncan.
The program of on Country learning, workshops and sharing encouraged students to consider cross cultural arts practice and explore the space between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowings and non-Indigenous perspectives.
The week culminated in a creative showing of works developed by the students during the collaboration.
Olsen said there was no way to write a formula for collaboration.
“You learn to collaborate as you’re collaborating,” she said.
“The week was about getting to know each other, how to relate to each other, how to bring your skills to the room, how to give space, take space and share space – which are all incredibly valuable learnings for those pursuing a career in the arts.”
The week also gave students the opportunity to step into different roles, learn about multi-disciplines and build pathways and networks.
“The week gives students the chance to work intensely alongside people from diverse practices,” Olsen said.
“They’ll carry this understanding and respect of different creative disciplines with them into their professional careers.”
This was the first year NIDA design students took part in the collaboration.
Course Leader in Design at NIDA Bob Cousins said the focus of the week was on the process, not the outcome.
“(It was about) how we work together, develop ideas and collaborate,” he said.
“We’ve seen dancers contribute incredible costume designs and design students really embedded in the movement of pieces.
“It was beautiful watching the collaboration unfold.”
The collaboration has grown into an important and established part of the NAISDA and NIDA annual programming.
NAISDA Unit Manager Angie Diaz said it enables students from both organisations to refine skills, build relationships and prepare for careers in the creative industries.
“It was wonderful to see NIDA directors and designers collaborating with NAISDA First Nations dancers and gain insight into creating with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists,” Diaz said.
“This is an important platform towards building culturally safe and supportive creative spaces and conversations to navigate that space between Indigenous, non-Indigenous and diverse communities.”
Source:b Media release, Mar 2, 2023, Brilliant Logic