A very special part of NAISDA’s Circle of Cultures season is Speaking Countries.
This free event will see the Carriageworks main foyer come alive each evening from 6pm to 7.15pm with cultural dance performances from cultural communities across Australia, including Mornington Island, Saibai Island, Moa Island, Yirrkala and Elcho Island.
Performances will take place on the following times and dates:
- Tuesday 15 Nov: 6pm-7.15pm
- Thursday 17 Nov: 6pm-7.15pm
- Friday 18 Nov: 11am-12.15pm & 6pm-7.15pm
- Saturday 19 Nov: (Proppa Yarns & Speaking Countries) 10am – 1pm
- Saturday 19 Nov: 6pm-7.15pm
- Tuesday 22 Nov: 11am-12.15pm & 6pm-7.15pm
- Tuesday 23 Nov: 6pm-7.15pm
Many cultural communities have contributed to the ongoing evolution of NAISDA Dance College. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Cultural Knowings have underpinned the contemporary studies and varying courses that NAISDA has offered Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island young people over the past 40 years.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Elders from Mornington Island, Yirrkala, Turkey Creek, Roper River, Elcho Island, Bathurst Island, Pitinjitjatjara & others; from Mer, Erub, Moa, Saibai, Badu, Dauan, Boigu, Mabuiag & others have recognized the importance of bringing their cultural practice to a wider audience through NAISDA. In turn, NAISDA has in many instances inspired a renaissance within these communities to turn to their own cultural heritage for the strength & empowerment they can wield through their song, dance and cultural practice.
Speaking Countries is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the many Elders and Community leaders who have shared their traditional Song, Dance and Knowledge over the many years.
NAISDA pays tribute to the many Elders who have passed on and those who have inherited the responsibility and continue to inspire cultural strength through cultural practice of their song and dance. Many have contributed to the ongoing phenomena that is NAISDA and we would not be here today, 40 years later, if it were not for the unreserved giving of the Elders and communities who have shared and hold sacred the gift of Cultural Knowing from our forebears.
For more information on Speaking Countries, please contact NAISDA on 02 4340 3100 or Carriageworks on 02 8571 9099.
