Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern

The Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern (ADTR) is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to providing cultural and dance programs for Aboriginal Australians. Founded in 1979 by Christine Donnelly, who remains the executive director, the organisation is located in the Sydney suburb of Redfern. ADTR has played a significant role in promoting Indigenous culture through dance, education, and community engagement[2][4].

History

ADTR was established by Christine Donnelly, a participant in the Six Weeks Performing Arts Training Programme held in Redfern, which was influential in the development of later Indigenous dance institutions such as NAISDA Dance College and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Initially housed in the National Black Theatre building, ADTR utilized performing arts as a tool for political activism linked to the land rights struggles of the 1970s. The founding mission was to advance the cultural, social, and educational development of Aboriginal people, particularly youth and children in the underprivileged Redfern community[2][4][5].

In 1995, with support from Ausdance National, ADTR instigated the creation of the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia (NADCA), aimed at supporting and nurturing Indigenous dance practices and protocols across the country. NADCA remained active at least until 2007 and worked on developing cultural protocols for Aboriginal dance[2][4].

Programs and Activities

ADTR offers accredited courses in Aboriginal dance and theatre skills, catering to children, youth, and broader community members from metropolitan Sydney and regional New South Wales. It also provides outreach programs that promote health and well-being through culture, dance, sport, and recreation. The organisation continues to foster Indigenous cultural expression and education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and passing on traditional dance and cultural knowledge to younger generations[1].

Location

ADTR originally operated from the Black Theatre building but later relocated to premises on Renwick Street in Redfern. The facilities serve as a cultural and educational hub for Indigenous performing arts in the community[1][2].

Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern remains a vital institution in Australia's Indigenous cultural landscape, contributing to the preservation and evolution of Aboriginal dance and performance arts for over four decades[2].

[1] https://www.sydneybarani.com.au/sites/aboriginal-dance-theatre-redfern/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboriginal_Dance_Theatre_Redfern [3] https://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv:27374 [4] https://kids.kiddle.co/Aboriginal_Dance_Theatre_Redfern [5] http://redfernoralhistory.org/Peopleandplaces/DANCE/tabid/321/Default.aspx