The Arts

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Deadlys Nominees 2011: Dancer of the Year

Albert David

A former Bangarra Dance Theatre dancer and choreographer, Albert has since performed choreographic works by Stephen Page, Kim Walker, Bill Pengelly, Raymond Blanco, Virginia Ferris, Jason Pitt, Vivienne Rogis and Elizabeth Dalman, performing in a number of works with her Mirramu Dance Company. In 2002 Albert performed in his own work ‘Giz’, and in 2006 he travelled to Canada to choreograph for the Canadian Indigenous dance company Red Sky Performance. In 2011, Albert choreographed and performed dances in the Deadly TV production Move It Mob Style.

Kathy Marika

Kathy has worked as a tutor in Aboriginal dance and culture, teaching traditional art and craft, weaving and carving. Her appearance in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s work ‘Bush’ (2003) marked her performance debut in contemporary dance theatre. Kathy continued to perform with Bangarra for ‘Clan’ (2004), ‘Bush’ (2004 USA tour) and ‘Spirit’ (2006 Australian tour and 2011 European tour). In 2009, Kathy travelled with and facilitated the Bangarra dancers’ cultural exchange with the Yirrkala community in Northeast Arnhem Land and performed in Bangarra’s 20th Anniversary celebrations ‘Fire – A Retrospective’. In 2011, Bangarra invited Kathy to become an Artist-in-Residence in recognition of her close and valuable association with the company.

Darren Compton

Darren Compton is a multi-skilled dynamic young Indigenous performer, a proficient didgeridoo player and dancer, in both traditional and contemporary styles covering the mainland and Torres Strait Islands. Performing with Descendance Dance Theatre since 2008, Darren’s recent dance performances include a contemporary interpretation of a creation story from the Yuin people, dance and music performances to international students during Macquarie University’s Diversity Week and NAIDOC week celebrations at TAFE, Western Sydney.

Medika Thorpe

Medika has always been passionate about dancing. She performed in the production of the ‘Praying Mantis Dreaming’ with Bangarra Dance Theatre at the age of nine, where she travelled around Australia and also over to London. She participated in the Opening & Closing ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and was also part of a Hip-Hop dance group called ‘Caramell’ that won the Groove Dance-Off competition back in 2002. A role model at Vibe 3on3® events, Medika coordinates the girls’ dancing workshops to inspire young Aboriginal kids through dance and to boost their confidence.

Deborah Brown

Deborah Brown is a leading performer with Bangarra Dance Theatre, possessing a strong technical and highly artistic dance style. Her solo in the 2010 season of ‘Artefact’ at the Sydney Opera House was described as “masterly”. A Torres Strait Islander leader who conducts workshops for young Indigenous people in communities and schools, Deborah has a strong commitment to passing on knowledge and sharing her experiences as a role model for any young person aspiring to become a performer.

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