First Nations Dance Program: Choreographic Lab Showing

Photo: Bri Hammond

Showing and Q&A

When: Friday, June 27, 6-7pm

Where: The Breakout at The Mill, 154 Angas St, Kaurna Yarta

Cost: $10 (+ booking fee)

Note: Please arrive 15 minutes early to grab a drink. This event will be 1 hour (including a Q&A). 

  • Getting to the showing

    This showing and Q&A will be held in The Mill Breakout. Please come to the Exhibition Space at 154 Angas Street, the bar will be open to grab a drink before we take you through to The Breakout.

    Please arrive at 5:45pm arrival for a 6pm sharp start.

    This event will be 1 hour (including the Q&A).

    Accessibility

    Disability access is available via our Angas St entrance, access the pedestrian ramp on the corner of Gunson St to get to our front door, which will be open.

    The Mill has concrete flooring throughout with no internal steps and a disability toilet on site.

    Read more in-depth information on our accessibility web page.

    If you have questions or would like to talk to one of The Mill team contact info@themilladelaide.com

The Mill is thrilled to present our First Nations Choreographic Lab, a pilot program designed to support emerging and mid-career First Nations dancers in SA. This program offers access to rehearsal space, journeying along creative processes and growing new ideas.

Over the course of one week, four First Nations artists will work closely with experienced dance facilitators, Kaine Sultan-Babij, and Caleena Sansbury, The Mill’s First Nations Dance Program Coordinator. Together the cohort will dive into daily warm-ups, choreographic tasks, cultural perspectives, and ideas, to spark new creative directions.

At the end of the lab, the group will present a ‘Work In Progress’ showing to the public. This provides a chance to share initial ideas with a wider audience, get feedback, and open doors for future collaborations. 

About the Facillitators:

  • Arrernte and Gurindji Contemporary Dance Artist, Kaine Sultan-Babij, is making a lasting impact on the world of dance and drag.

    With a background that includes performing with Leigh Warren and Dancers, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and the Australian Dance Theatre, Kaine has skilfully blended Contemporary Dance and Contemporary Indigenous Dance. Based in Kaurna Country, Kaine stands as an Independent Dancer and Choreographer, contributing to the vibrant Australian performing arts scene.

    Beyond Kaine's achievements in the dance world, the emergence of Estelle, a captivating Drag Performer and Persona, has added another layer to their artistic repertoire. Estelle quickly gained recognition, establishing herself as a standout performer in the Adelaide Drag Scene. Through electrifying performances, Estelle has earned a respected place in the realm of drag.

    Together, Kaine and Estelle embody a powerful fusion of Tradition, creativity, and contemporary expression, making a lasting impression on the dance and drag communities in Australia.

  • Caleena Sansbury is a prominent First Nations artist whose diverse background and extensive experience have established her as a leading figure in the arts. Her heritage, encompassing Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, and Kaurna cultures, deeply influences her work and perspective.

    A graduate of NAISDA Dance College, Caleena’s career spans various disciplines including performance, choreography, and program coordination. She has showcased her talents on both national and international stages, working with respected artists and companies.

    Her notable collaborations include:

    • Vicki Van Hout on productions like Long Grass and Les Festivities Lubrufier.

    • Thomas E. S. Kelly on the performance work [MIS]CONCEIVE.

    • Karul Projects on the piece SSHIFT.

    Caleena’s experience extends to children's theatre, where she has performed in shows produced by InSite Arts such as Saltbush and Our Corka Bubs, and with Polyglot Theatre in Tangled. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of both dance and theatre, particularly in contexts involving young audiences.

    In addition to her performance career, she has contributed to theatre as an actor in Legs On the Wall’s The Man With The Iron Neck and has showcased her organizational skills as a producer for the Melbourne Fringe in 2018. She has also toured South Australia with Taree Sansbury’s Mi:wi 2019, and performed in Jacob Boheme’s dance work Gurranda in 2024. Caleena continues to perform and practice dance in and throughout South Australia. 

    Currently, Caleena is a Program Coordinator at The Mill, an award-winning multi-disciplinary arts organisation. Her role at The Mill continues to reflect her commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic First Nations arts community.


 

This project has been supported by City of Adelaide