When an individual steps onto a global platform such as TEDx, it's not just an achievement — it's a moment that ripples out to family, community, and country.
That's exactly what Sharna Motlap has done through her recent talk at TEDxCharles Darwin University.
This month marked a first for the Northern Territory, with Charles Darwin University hosting its own TEDx event under the theme "Building Community Resilience".
Ten speakers from across the university shared bold ideas and research aimed at strengthening communities in unique ways.
Among them was Ms Motlap — a proud woman of the Mbabaram people of Queensland and Kerirri (Hammond) Island in the Torres Strait — whose presentation blended cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology in a way that left a lasting impression.
"The two worlds of culture and technology are similar in that they both are constantly evolving and often shape each other," Ms Motlap said.
"This idea of using 3D motion capture technology for preservation came from several discussions in the lab. We realised how this can be used to protect and minimise cultural loss from inaccurate documentation."
Her project uses high-speed cameras and reflective trackers to capture the intricate details of Indigenous dance in three dimensions.
"Being able to capture movements in a three-dimensional space, it creates this unique type of preservation that is incredibly accurate," she explained.
"This kind of precision ensures that dances can be kept alive not just as recordings, and eventually as interactive, teachable resources for generations to come."
Ms Motlap's vision extends far beyond simply archiving.
"I hope young people will feel a deeper, more personal connection to their culture," she said.
"Dancing can be a powerful way to connect with their ancestors and strengthen their identity."
For Ms Motlap, the TEDx process revealed just how universal the message could be.
"During rehearsals, I realised the stories and examples I was sharing resonated with people from different cultural backgrounds and countries," she said.
"They would tell me how their own traditions connected them to their roots."
When asked what "community resilience" means to her, Ms Motlap didn't hesitate.
"It means the ability to bounce back stronger and prouder. Indigenous people in Australia continue to do so," she said.
"We draw a lot of strength from our culture, and our culture is dynamic, it's constantly moving and changing because it's our living and breathing identity.
"This work contributes to building resilience by exploring new ways to preserve and express culture in a digital world."
Looking ahead, Ms Motlap's dream is to make the technology accessible to everyone.
"I'd love to see the development of user-friendly software and hardware that allows everyone to capture their own dances with minimal technical expertise," she said.
"This would be paired with immersive, interactive learning experiences to help the next generation learn traditional dances."
Ms Motlap's work shows tradition doesn't just survive change — it can thrive because of it. By bringing the worlds of technology and culture together, she's ensuring that Indigenous dance will continue to move through time, carrying the stories of ancestors into the future.
