BRAVE BODIES

GUTS Brave Bodies training program was created to address a need for accessible avenues for dance participation and training for young people in our local community of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. The program is aimed at female identifying and non-binary young people between the ages of 12 - 18, from varied cultural backgrounds, who may otherwise not have the means or opportunity to engage in dance related activities outside of school. As part of the program, each week GUTS facilitators pick up and drop off the participants and provide food and uniforms for each young person.

Through Brave Bodies, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment for these young people to explore their potential through learning and mastering various dance styles, creating relationships with other young people in the community, and having opportunities for public performance, in an environment that is empowering, safe, respectful and fun.

Since March 2021 Brave Bodies have engaged over 30, majority First Nations young women, for 2.5 hours once a week, with the group learning various dance styles and techniques and bravely undertaking public performances at events around Mparntwe.

Madeleine Krenek, Frankie Snowdon, Toni Lord & Ash Musk with visiting artist facilitators.
Brave Bodies was founded by Madeleine Krenek, Frankie Snowdon, Toni Lord and Anyupa Butcher
Project Co-founders, Directors/Facilitators: Madeleine Krenek and Frankie Snowdon
Project Co-founders: Adam Wheeler and Elizabeth Verstappen
November 2024
MOOD
Created in collaboration with Caitlin Comerford
NT Performing Arts Awards
Alice Can Dance 2024
September 2023
DesertMob Symposium and Desert Festival
AYENGE ARRWEKETYE, created by emerging Arrernte / Yankunytjatjara choreographer Toni-louise Lord in collaboration with Wakka Wakka Kombumerri choreographer Katina Olsen.
April 2023
Opening ceremony performance @ Parrtjima Festival 2023
September 2022
Alice Can Dance @ Araluen Arts Centre
September 2022
Skywhales presented by the Araluen Arts Centre
April 2022
Kwatye choreographed by Toni Lord, emerging First Nations choreographer & Brave Bodies co-founder @ Parrtjima Festival
September 2021
Excerpt of Kwatye for Community Day as a part of Spring.Loaded.Dance Festival
September 2021
Alice Can Dance @ Araluen Arts Centre
This project was proudly supported in 2021 and 2022 by the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT and by the Regional Arts Australia.