As we mark International Dance Day, we’re celebrating the people behind our training – those shaping daily practice in the studio and guiding the next generation of artists.
Katina Olsen, Wakka Wakka Kombumerri dancer, choreographer and NAISDA Dance Practice Lead, plays a key role in delivering dance across the curriculum.
Photography: Trina Cary Photography
International Dance Day is a global moment to reflect on the role of dance. What does it mean to you?
Dance gives a platform for a voice that my ancestors weren’t able to have because of the impacts of colonisation. It’s through dance I am able to share story, truth telling and activism through movement and theatre, which at times can be more powerful than a conversation. With my role as Dance Practice Lead I’m able to educate and inspire the next generations to continue the responsibility that we have as First Nations people through our art and dance.
What does your role as Dance Practice Lead involve?
It’s one big beautiful role this one! My responsibilities include curating a program of dance training that works to develop our Developing Artists (students) so that they are industry ready as future company dancers, independent performers and dance makers. I also teach Contemporary Indigenous Dance classes, rehearsal direct our End of Year Shows, curate and organise Artist-in-Residences and projects like the Arts8 Collaboration and facilitate some of the NAISDA NIDA Collaborations. There is so much that I love about this job, I think my favourite part hands down is being in the studio with our students teaching and mentoring them, this is the real magic for me.
How do you see your role making a difference / what do you hope students take away?
One thing that I think is really unique and special is that it’s a requirement of my role to have a certain amount of Professional Development each year, so NAISDA sees the value in me being able to continue being a practicing artist through the shows I choreograph and perform in. I think it’s important for students to see their trainers continue to be active and connected to the industry they are about to enter, this way we can help support making connections for them and where they want to be. For me, this also means I continue to bring in new and current techniques and methodologies into my teaching at NAISDA so we continue to stay current. I always hope that through my work here, I’m able to teach the next generation that through consistency, hard work and determination, you really can be capable of anything you wish to achieve!
What attracted you to NAISDA as a place to work?
It’s incredibly unique that we have a dance training organisation that is dedicated to First Nations students and their learning. I love being able to share knowledge that I’ve gained from my career in an organisation that understands the importance of Cultural Responsibility and passing knowledges down to our next generation of artists and change makers. We also have an incredible team of staff that I’m constantly inspired by daily, it’s a real dream to be here.
What’s something about NAISDA that people might not expect?
Our entire Wednesday is dedicated to Cultural Training. I wish I had this in my early years of training!
Who or what inspires you?
Woo okay, I have so many inspirations: my Elders, Country and the way it continues to teach us every day; Blakfulla film and theatre makers, their humour and how they tell story; all of our First Nations choreographers like Vicki Van Hout, Karul (Thomas and Taree), Carly Sheppard and Frances Rings; choreographing a feature length work on the Australian Ballet – such an epic achievement and another massive door opened further for the next generation; and, my Co-Dance Practice Lead Jasmin Sheppard. We’ve been working together a long time, even before we got this role together a year ago. It’s a massive privilege to work alongside Jas inside as Dance Practice Leads and outside continuing our careers as choreographers and performers.
Can you share a NAISDA moment that’s stayed with you?
Seeing our NAISDA graduates employed and dancing on stages fills me with such an immense sense of pride for our mob showcasing their Blak Excellence!
What excites you about what’s ahead?
NAISDA’s 50th year, it’s going to be a big one, and I have a premiere of my own work WHITE LIES coming up in July in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) as part of GUTS Dance Desert Hothouse (a weekend of 3 full length works). It’s going to be a massive year!
In three words, how would you describe NAISDA?
Deadly, fierce, connected.