NAISDA X NIDA

A week-long collaboration between the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and NAISDA Dance College, brought together aspiring designers, directors, dancers, and choreographers for an intensive exploration of creative partnership, cross cultural storytelling, and multidisciplinary approaches to performance.

The unique program of collaboration first began in 2019. This year, Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri dancer, choreographer and performer Katina Olsen led the invaluable learning experience ‘Crossing the Line’ at the NAISDA campus on Darkinjung Land.

Leading First Nations artists and cultural contributors also included Dr Nerida Blair, Nardi Simpson and Uncle Gavi Duncan. The program of on Country learning, workshops and sharing encouraged students to consider cross cultural arts practice and explore the space between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowings and non-Indigenous perspectives. The week culminated in a creative showing of works developed by the students during the collaboration.

“There’s no way to write a formula for collaboration, you learn to collaborate as you’re collaborating. The week was about getting to know each other, how to relate to each other, how to bring your skills to the room, how to give space, take space and share space – which are all incredibly valuable learnings for those pursuing a career in the arts,” Katina explained.

The week also gave students the opportunity to step into different roles, learn about multi-disciplines and build pathways and networks.

“The week gives students the chance to work intensely alongside people from diverse practices. They’ll carry this understanding and respect of different creative disciplines with them into their professional careers,” Katina concluded.

This was the first year NIDA design students took part in the collaboration. Bob Cousins, Course Leader in Design at NIDA explained the relevance.