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 a special group in Sydney, Australia. It helps young Aboriginal people learn about their culture through dance. The ADTR is located in a suburb called Redfern.
Christine Donnelly started ADTR in 1979. She continues to be the main leader of the group. In 1995, ADTR also helped create the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia (NADCA).
Contents
The Story of ADTR
How the Dance Theatre Began
The Aboriginal Dance Theatre was started in 1979 by Christine Donnelly. She still leads the group today. The idea for the theatre came from important political movements in the 1970s. These movements were about getting land rights for Aboriginal people.
Christine Donnelly had taken part in a special arts training program. This program later helped create the NAISDA Dance College. ADTR first shared a building with the National Black Theatre. Both groups used theatre and dance to share important messages and make changes.
Why ADTR Was Created
Christine Donnelly wanted to create a place where Aboriginal youth could learn dance. Her goal was to help Aboriginal people, especially those in Redfern, grow culturally, socially, and through education. She is very proud that ADTR helped start the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia (NADCA) in 1995. This council worked on important rules for Aboriginal dance.
ADTR later moved to a new building on Renwick Street.
What ADTR Does Today
Programs for Young People
ADTR used to offer special courses in Aboriginal dance and theatre. They also had programs that reached out to young people from Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. Christine Donnelly always encouraged dancers to use their own styles. This included traditional dance, contemporary dance, or a mix of both.
Focus on Health and Culture
Today, ADTR helps Aboriginal people stay healthy and well. They do this through culture, dance, sports, and fun activities. Their programs currently include:
- Programs for children and young people. These teach cultural awareness, sports, and many dance styles. Dance styles include traditional, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.
- Programs for women. These focus on health, fairness, and leadership.
- Cultural programs. These include learning about dance, making canoes, and a special group for men.
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 grandfather was a famous activist and showman named Bill Onus. He was a Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta man. Christine's other grandfather was from the Darkinjung people. They lived near the Hawkesbury River and were connected to the Sydney Eora clans.
Christine Donnelly's daughter, Aiyisha, is also involved in the performing arts and visual art.
Special Recognition
A photograph of Christine Donnelly is part of the "Sydney Elders" exhibition. This exhibition is at the Australian Museum. The photo was taken by a well-known Aboriginal photographer, Mervyn Bishop. The exhibition, which started in 2012, shows important Elders. These Elders have made big contributions to culture, education, health, community, or social justice.
