On Saturday 13th July 2024, the new initiative, ‘PRACTICE AND PLAY’ kicked off with a gathering of 15 artists from the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions. Each artist, bringing a unique set of specialist skills, united on Mingungbal country in the Tweed Valley, sharing a common interest in contemporary movement.

Their artistic backgrounds spanned sculpture, cultural dance practice, contemporary dance, physical theatre, photography, music, circus, design, social work and construction. They came together with the intention of learning more about each other, their practices and processes as creatives and exploring potential collaborations for future projects.

‘PRACTICE AND PLAY #1’ participants / L-R: Che Pritchard, Nicole Hector, Sue Simpson, Philip Channells, Lachy Shelley, Leigh-Anne Vizer, Alya Manzart, Nadia Milford, Josh Bond, Shar Mitchell, Kevin Privett and Asher Bowen-Sanders. Not in the photo: Uncle Mark Cora and Charlie Shelley | Image: Hamish McCormick @ Carnival Cinema.

Everyone briefly assembled at the top of the hill (on land close to Tyalgum village), before walking down to the dance ground where the group spent much of the day. This grassy clearing by the Oxley River and Hopping Dicks Creek in the Tweed Valley, and overlooking the Boarder Ranges, is a site that has undoubtedly hosted many gatherings over thousands of years.

Uncle Mark Cora, a proud Mingungbal man, began the day by a fire, welcoming everyone to his country and teaching us about his people’s connections through song-lines and dances, emphasising how sharing our stories strengthens these bonds. He spoke about how the different language groups of the Bundjalung nation are working together to pass on knowledge, and the importance of “keeping the fire burning”, the theme for NAIDOC 2024. The group appreciated the time he took to share his thoughts and support for the project and will carry his sentiment on many journeys to come.

Uncle Mark Cora welcomes us to his country | Image: Hamish McCormick @ Carnival Cinema.

The important legacy of the Dance Sector Uplift project lies in its strategy to develop local dancers who can collaborate with professionals to create and teach together. By connecting to the land and creating work, many relationships can be built, fostering the collaboration of stories and lives. It would also be beneficial to include the sharing and development of resources, as well as the use of infrastructure and natural settings. Uncle Mark Cora

Leigh-Anne Vizer led the group through some site-specific improvisations, with musician, Sue Simpson providing a beautiful accompaniment on her viola. The session was marked by an open exchange of energy and curiosity, resulting in stunning synergies of movement and sound.

After a short break, the journey continued as Alya Manzart guided the artists through some sumptuous contact improvisations in partners. This was a beautiful reminder of how much we can learn, and how quickly it happens through play and movement, even if some people were strangers to each other just hours before.

I loved the opportunity to connect with other professional movers, creatives that bring their own wealth of experience and established physical vocabulary to explore, jam and genuine play purely for the joy of it, Outside on the grass by a river in the bush with live music virtuosos, I mean what’s not to love! Josh Bond

Dancers: Nadia Milford and Josh Bond | Image: Hamish McCormick @ Carnival Cinema.

After a refreshing dip in the creek, the day finished back up on the hill, sharing the collective goodness that everyone brought with them. A ‘Chatter Platter’ was assembled and food, conversation and warmth was shared by the fire.

The glow of the last embers still warms my heart and soul. Leigh-Anne Vizer

This initiative’s beginning feels profoundly significant and satisfying. Humbled by all who attended, special thanks go to Creative Producer Philip Channells for his vision, trust, and guidance, and to Lachy Shelley for his support in preparing the site and holding the space.

Co-authors: Leigh-Anne Vizer and Philip Channells.

What is ‘PRACTICE AND PLAY’?

A new initiative for dance in the Northern Rivers region, ‘PRACTICE AND PLAY’ is the vision of Philip Channells. This program aims to unite dance makers and creative practitioners, offering opportunities to move, dance, and create together while building connections. Combining physical activities with social interactions, it features site-specific movement workshops held outdoors or in venues like community halls, gymnasiums, and dance studios. Each session concludes with a shared meal and conversation, fostering community and creativity.

The next ‘PRACTICE AND PLAY’ is scheduled 11:30AM – 5:30PM on Saturday 27 July 2024 in Clunes. There are only 15 places available. To register click here.