The First Nations Choreographic Lab was co-founded by Adrianne Semmens and Gina Rings and brought together South Australian based First Nations dance practitioners, to explore and develop their choreographic practice.

Supported by Dance Hub SA and their Artist in Residence program, the 2021 First Nations Dance Collective engaged 8 dance artists: Adrianne Semmens, Gina Rings, Kaine Sultan-Babij, Janelle Egan, Rikki Wilson, Melanie Koolmatrie, Iteka Sanderson-Bromley and Gemma Trueman.

Zaachariah Fielding and Michael Ross (of Electric Fields) were also engaged as collaborating artists, contributing music for movement exploration and engaging in discussions.

 The First Nations Choreographic Lab allowed for participating dance practitioners to explore individual themes of interest and collectively interrogate the practices, choreographic approaches, aspirations and responsibilities of First Nations dance makers.

The project culminated in a showing for invited guests at Dance Hub SA, where artists shared and discussed their work.

This project was generously supported by the Government of South Australia through the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Dance Hub SA’s Artist is Residence program.