First Nations-led and governed organisation NAISDA Dance College has concluded a sold-out Sydney season of The trees have voices, the feet have ears at Carriageworks.
The stage performance featured daring choreography performed high above the stage on a sculptural suspended net, along with haunting depictions of extreme weather events, immersing audiences in the terrifying panic of an uncontrolled bushfire.
From spoken word and dance film to striking visuals and immersive soundscapes, NAISDA students showcased their creativity, individuality, and the dedication of a year's worth of training.
NAISDA chief executive officer, Kim Walker, reflected on the students' success, saying the success of the performance was the result of a close knit team, long hours and hard work.
"Performances like this don't just happen—they're the result of so many people working together. The trees have voices, the feet have ears brought together everything our students have developed this year—their skills, their storytelling, their creativity," Walker said.
"For our Advanced Diploma students, it was their final NAISDA performance, marking the start of their journey as Australia's next generation of emerging First Nations artists."
The production came to life under the singular direction of NAISDA graduates Vicki Van Hout and guest choreographers Henrietta Baird and Glory Tuohy-Daniell.
NAISDA cultural tutors and knowledge holders, led by Dujon Niue, shared the joy and colour of Torres Strait Islander dances, songs and spirit with Sydney audiences.
A special moment during the opening night recognised director Vicki Van Hout with the formal presentation of her 2020 Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance—an honour which had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As students return to classrooms and studios this week to complete their final assessments, Walker reflected on NAISDA's 2024 achievements as one of Australia's leading arts training organisations.
"We couldn't be prouder of our students and are confident they will step forward as leaders—on stage, in their communities, in their careers, and beyond," she said.
NAISDA creates space and opportunity to learn, exchange, express and engage with culture, guided by the core values of empowerment, agency and self-determination.
As a unique world-first dance and creative arts education and training organisation, NAISDA empowers First Nations people to fulfil their personal and career ambitions through lifelong learning, skills development and connection to culture.
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