Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern facts for kids
Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern building, 1989
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| Formation | 1979 |
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| Founder | Christine Donnelly |
| Purpose | Indigenous Australian cultural organisation |
The Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern (ADTR) is an Australian group that helps Aboriginal people. It teaches them about their culture and offers dance programs. It is located in Redfern, a suburb of Sydney. Christine Donnelly started ADTR in 1979, and she is still its leader today.
ADTR also helped create the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia (NADCA) in 1995. This council works to support Aboriginal dance across Australia.
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The Story of ADTR
The Aboriginal Dance Theatre was started in 1979 by Christine Donnelly. She wanted to use dance and culture to help Aboriginal youth.
The idea for the theatre came from a time when Aboriginal people were working hard to get their land rights recognized and make their voices heard. Christine Donnelly had been part of a special arts training program. This program later helped create other important dance schools like NAISDA Dance College and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
ADTR first began in the National Black Theatre building. Both groups used theatre and performance to share important messages and bring about change.
Christine Donnelly's main goal was to "bring dance to Aboriginal youth and children." She wanted to help Aboriginal people, especially those in Redfern, grow culturally, socially, and through education. She is very proud that the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia (NADCA) was formed in 1995. ADTR got support from Ausdance National to make NADCA happen. NADCA worked on creating rules for how Aboriginal dance should be shared and respected.
ADTR later moved to a new building on Renwick Street.
What ADTR Offers
In the past, ADTR offered special courses in Aboriginal dance and theatre. They also had programs for young people from Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. Christine Donnelly always encouraged people to dance in their own way. This included traditional Aboriginal dance, modern dance, or a mix of both.
Today, ADTR focuses on helping Aboriginal people stay healthy and happy through culture, dance, sports, and fun activities. In 2022, their programs included:
- Programs for children and young people: These teach about culture, offer sports, and many dance styles. This includes traditional dance, contemporary dance, jazz, and hip-hop.
- Programs for women: These cover health, fairness in society, and leadership skills.
- Cultural programs: These include learning about dance, how to make canoes, and a special "men's business" group.
ADTR is a registered charitable institution. This means it is a group that helps people and does not make a profit.
About Christine Donnelly
Christine Donnelly's maiden name was Onus. Her grandfather was Bill Onus, a famous activist and showman. He was a Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta man. Christine's mother was also named Christine. Her other grandfather was from the Darkinjung people near the Hawkesbury River, connected to Sydney's Eora clans.
Christine Donnelly's daughter, Aiyisha, is also involved in the performing arts and visual art.
Recognition for Christine Donnelly
A photograph of Christine Donnelly was taken by the well-known Aboriginal photographer Mervyn Bishop. This photo is part of the "Sydney Elders" exhibition at the Australian Museum. The exhibition started in 2012. It shows important Elders who have helped their community. They have contributed to culture, education, health, and social justice.
