Ghenoa’s research project centres on her desire to make her own imprint, challenging her very self and her songs, dances, language and culture, and asking: What cultural protocols are imbedded within her Torres Strait culture?
Through this three-week residency Ghenoa will explore the boundaries of her traditional Torres Strait dancing with the guidance of her mentors Anne Gela (mum/cultural advisor) and Taryn Beatty (dancing mentor). Together they will negotiate the line between traditional Torres Strait Islander dancing and contemporary movement to begin to create Ghenoa’s own unique movement vocabulary. Her hope is to one day develop her style to the point where she can tell her family’s stories through dance theatre.
Ghenoa Gela is an independent artist working across several mediums including hip-hop and Indigenous contemporary. Gela’s performance credits include hosting and choreographing Deadly Vibe Australia’s television show Move It Mob Style, working with choreographers Vicki Van Hout, Shaun Parker, Jo Clancy and most recently as part of the Circus Oz troupe.
Photo courtesy of Ghenoa Gela