A reflection on age, memory and the human body, Tracks Dance’s latest show delves into the myriad aspects of Darwin’s rich cultural identity.
taged at mines House in the historic myilly Point Heritage Precinct, the venue is the perfect place to investigate these themes – a building that itself is 80 years old, having existed within the lifetime of each of the show’s performers aged from eight to 80.
“We’re interested in the way both people and buildings have memories,” says director david mcmicken. With this in mind, eight to eighty uses dance to explore the way age changes the body over time, from the budding skills of children at the beginning of their dance journey, to the power and strength of youth, and the refined, assured muscular wisdom of adulthood and older age. “These are all performers for whom dance has lived in their bodies,” says mcmicken of the 35 performers. “For them, dance is a whole-of-life thing, not just or necessarily a professional pursuit.”
The performance theme thickens with an inter-cultural element, incorporating indigenous australian, Sri lankan and Thai dance along with a mixture of forms from ballet to jazz – a true depiction of the rich and intricate weave of darwin’s social fabric.
There’s a challenge, mcmicken concedes, in choreographing with performers so varying in age and experience, and with such a wide range of cultures drawn together in a cohesive way. “But that’s exactly what darwin is,” says mcmicken. “So it’s a real joy.”
When: Fri 10 – Tue 14 Aug | Fri 17 – Tue 21 Aug | 7pm
Where: Mines House, 6 Burnett Place, Myilly Point Heritage Precinct
Cost: $30 | $28 Memb | $18 Conc
Info: www.tracksdance.com.au
