The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has appointed siblings Jaydn and Mykelle Bingarape to choreograph its 2023-decade anniversary fashion performance of Woven.
It comes after the brother-sister duo demonstrated a rich connection to learning at NAISDA Dance College in New South Wales.
The dancers have a creative development resume which includes training with London's Royal Ballet, the Australian Ballet, and Queensland Ballet.
The duo have been on a rise since they travelled to California, USA to perform in the Miriki Performing Arts production of Bayal Kaymanen (Dancing Smoke) when they were teenagers.
They describe this moment of a lifetime as their most powerful and pivotal experiences to date, with the performance featuring Yidinji Nation and Northern Pomo Dancers (northern California).
The production went on to celebrate their world premiere at CIAF in 2018, bringing together 40 performers aged between seven and 70 showcase the power of intergenerational storytelling and cross-cultural exchange.
Since reflecting on their foundations of their formative years and dance training, the siblings have now been presented with the opportunity to choreograph an act for the CIAF's 2023 fashion performance, Woven.
The Bingarape's are Alumni of Cairns-based First Nations dance company, Miriki Performing Arts, whose teaching is founded on the five founding pillars of Aboriginal society – family and ceremony, connection to Country, connection to one another, laws and practices, and language.
Their performance for Woven will embody some of the five founding pillars, with references to Country, connection, lores and practices.
In all there will be a powerful cultural performance destined to "move and engage" audiences while showcasing the collections of 15 Queensland First Nations designers.
The Bingarape siblings (pronounced Bingarup), hail from Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Gunggari Country mob with family ties to the Torres Strait Islands. (Image: Veronica Sagredo)
CIAF's Artistic Director Francoise Lane said the Bingarape's journey thus far is a beautiful story related to generational, cross-cultural learnings.
"It is so very special and meaningful that CIAF exists and can leverage its platform in this way," she said.
"We acknowledge that our position in being able to provide opportunities for young and emerging talent across performing and visual arts is a real gift.
The fashion performance is one of those wonderfully multi-layered and intimate events that the audience will interpret on their own terms and differently.
"I so warmly welcome Mykelle and Jaydn into our CIAF team and what will no doubt be a positive and life-changing experience.
In 2023 CIAF will celebrate a decade of showcasing Queensland's vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion industry with 'Woven'.
From Quandamooka Country in southeast Queensland to the Cape and Torres Strait, 15 designers will be exhibited by models in a creative and culturally rich choreographed by the Bingarape siblings.
CIAF's three ticketed fashion performances will be enjoyed by festival goers in the atmospheric round of Tank 3, Tanks Arts Centre on Thursday 13 July and Friday 14 July 2023.
Tickets are now on sale via CIAF's ticketing hub.
