Music that Moves

Dusty Feet Dance Collective and the Wonderland String Quartet

Audience feedback following Desert Festival premiere

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, Alice Springs, September 2023

(written and oral recorded responses)

I watched Music That Moves on the Friday night and it was a breathtakingly beautiful, emotional journey I got the pleasure to embark on.The collaborative format of live music with dancers, creating a narrative of artists travelling through different times and places was only exceeded by the shear skill of the performers. I was transfixed by emotion as a young traveller watching a story not unlike mine highlight the joys and sorrows we experience as the artistic loner, to find our fellow humans, creating spaces for expression and exhilaration in our lives. 

I am to thank these performers, for showcasing their talents and those that helped get them there. The dancers, a troupe of four were distinct in themselves yet came together in rhythm and story, with energy and grace they were relentlessly hypnotizing.The orchestra was powerful and subtle, painting a backdrop of sound and emotion for the stories to be told, amplifying the show to an experience. Although two distinct groups they came together with dancers picking up instruments and playing with ease, to the dancing of notes the musicians gave us to float on. 

So thank you. For all the time and energy and work that went into creating this experience, I thank you. For making me feel it. I loved it. Please keep creating, all of you. We are lucky to have gotten to witness you.

On reflection, arriving at the Olive Pink Sanctuary with an interstate visitor and waiting for the performance to begin at twilight was a gift in itself. The birds settled in for the night, no sounds of traffic or bright city lights, making the backdrop for the performance both unique and spectacular. We experienced live music, accomplished well-rehearsed dancers all performing to their audience with passion, precision and elegance. The audience, spellbound and transported to a place of tranquillity, with time to be moved by the music, intrigued by the intricate use of props and surprised by dancers becoming musicians and musicians who danced. Dancers working in close proximity to the audience can be seen breathing as they work through more than 20 minutes of constant physical movement. To end on an inclusive note with the audience being able to join the dancers with an energetic jig to live music was very special. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to take an interstate visitor to this event, to be able to show the depth of talent in Alice Springs, the environment, the creativity and motivation. This was unexpected and appreciated particularly after having such negative publicity surrounding our town at the moment. Months of preparation to avoid any major problems would have been intense. Overcoming the many small challenges - of an uneven dancefloor, a little whirly-wind and a very close audience - was inspiring. As were the children sitting watching and later dancing the night away. 

From seeing the rehearsal and the showing at DesFest I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters that emerged and the way they moved their objects / bodies through space with such thoughtful intention. I thought your sensitivity to the themes of migration/movement were really touching and subtle, I'd love to see the piece presented again. I think a full lighting design could be such a beautiful addition to the show, musically it was absolutely stunning. It felt really collaborative in the performance, and to get a glimpse into the process was super inspiring - the way you held it all together was amazing to watch!!

Whilst it was so, so beautiful outdoors, I would love to see it performed at Araluen - I missed a lot of the beautiful floor work because of the seating. I also think you needed more space to thrash it out! 

We really enjoyed the dancing and the music. The beautiful location complimented the performance. The lighting was the only disappointment. 

I don’t usually get dance but I really enjoyed this. I saw so much in the performance - an arrivals hall, and travellers, and a ship. Your face was so emotive, I was captivated by the story and expression. Thankyou for all your work.