YIRRAMBOI, Melbourne's acclaimed international First Nations arts festival, is set to ignite the city's cultural landscape from May 1-11, 2025, with a program exploring "Legacy, Joy, Reclamation, and Akin." While encompassing a vast array of artistic mediums, the festival's dance offerings stand out as a powerful testament to the vitality and evolution of First Nations movement.
The festival's dedication to dance is evident in its diverse lineup, showcasing both traditional practices and contemporary innovation. A highlight is the world premiere of banj ba walert : water and possum, a collaboration between Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Vicki Nicholson-Brown and Stacie Piper. This work reawakens the ancestral practice of possum skin drumming and water dance, inviting audiences to witness the creation of these sacred instruments and the accompanying traditions.
Contemporary dance takes centre stage with Mythosoma, a living ritual led by Body Island, featuring Jahra Wasasala, Ooshcon, Jada Narkle, Nancy Wijohn, and Moana Ete. This performance blends Indigenous mythologies, street dance, and contemporary somatic practices, creating a dynamic and transformative experience.
Chunky Move, a mainstay in Melbourne's contemporary dance scene, will host a Dance Class Program throughout the festival. Taught by First Nations dance practitioners, these classes offer adult beginners, open-level dancers, and masterclass participants the opportunity to learn from esteemed members of the community.
PLATFORM, a First Nations-led creative development program, celebrates the evolution of contemporary dance through a multi-generational lens. This exhibition documents the creative journey of choreographers and dancers, including Djirri Djirri dancers Mikayla George and Kiera Hunter, under the guidance of Dr. Mandy Nicholson, working alongside Vicki Van Hout, Joel Bray, and A Daylight Connection (Carly Sheppard, Kamarra Bell-Wykes, and Small Sound). Through photography and interviews, PLATFORM offers an intimate insight into the artistic reflections, experimentation, and evolution of these artists.
Adding to the dynamic dance offerings, Cut the Sky, presented at the Uncle Jack Charles Festival Hub, is a powerful dance theatre piece by Marrugeku. This visceral and urgent work delves into the impact of colonial mindsets on First Nations lands, featuring cyclonic choreography, songs by Ngaiire and Tanya Tagaq, and video art capturing epic landscapes.
For families, ENOKi’s Wonderland at ArtPlay provides a playful space for children to engage with movement and creativity. Led by Darcy McConnell (ENOKi), this dynamic space encourages connection, collaboration, and imagination. Notably, ENOKi’s Wonderland will host a Bubup's First Rave! on Mother's Day, inviting families to a fun and energetic dance party.
YIRRAMBOI 2025 offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of movement as a vehicle for cultural expression, storytelling, and connection. With a program that celebrates both legacy and innovation, YIRRAMBOI is set to leave a lasting impact on Melbourne's community.