Of Earth & Sky

Editorial

When: 24 September - 2 October 2010
Where: The Arts Centre, Melbourne
Bookings: The Arts Centre or 1300 182 183

Following their breathtaking 20th anniversary tour in 2009, Australia's leading Indigenous dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre - renowned for their exquisite blending of traditional and contemporary dance forms - returns to the stage with a spectacular double-bill.

Of Earth & Sky introduces the choreographic talents of 23 year old newcomer Daniel Riley McKinley, and celebrates the return of established choreographer Frances Rings, in two new dance works showcasing the beauty, precision and athleticism of the company's highly trained performers.

McKinley makes his debut with RILEY; a celebration of the life of the late Indigenous photographer Michael Riley inspired by the acclaimed cloud series, Riley's last work before his untimely death in 2004. Sharing a connection with the photographer through blood and land, McKinley pays homage to Riley by utilising his images as the visual landscape through which the dancers move.

Ring, who was mentored by Bangarra's Artistic Director Stephen Page, brings a female energy and perspective to the stage in Artefact, a work exploring rituals both ancient and modern and the importance of culture, spirit and place.

Evoking the true spirit of the land through the shared language of dance, Bangarra's work remains vital, enriching and moving. Of Earth & Sky is destined to be one of the most memorable performances you will see this year.

Richard Watts, Citysearch