BLAKDANCE 2012

Blakdance was an international showcase event celebrating First Nation Contemporary Dance through the demonstration of a suite of works from Aboriginal and Maori cultures.

The evening began with a bright, short and effective welcome dance of local Aboriginal North Stradbroke Island origin, including an entertaining didgeridoo demonstration. This was followed by a selection of works from choreographers Rita Pryce, Tammi Gissell, Albert David, Ojeya Cruz Banks, Jack Gray and Cathy Livermore.

It was a night of traditional and contemporary styles, a foray into the indigenous land and it's spirits through the use of solo, duo and ensemble dancing. As there was no programme provided, I am unable to pinpoint some of the more outstanding dancers.

Rita Pryce's epic Warupaw Uu - Echo of Drums evoked stimulating audience participation, many of whom came from these backgrounds, and brought a lift to the evening.

Though a trifle too long, Cathy Livermore's drift through the piece Land and Water, complete with monologue, captured the essence of this back-to-nature display through movement. Jack Grey's performance was full of passion and charismatic theatricality.

Though a colourful and enjoyable selection of contrasting pieces, the total experience could have been more effective with some editing and a change in the order of presentation. The evening is best summed up by earmarking a quintessential sentiment expressed by the presenter of the first piece: We don't own the land, the land owns us.

Brian Adamson