Springboarding from their rich place of learning and cultural connection at NAISDA Dance College in NSW, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has appointed young and talented sibling duo, Mykelle and Jaydn Bingarape to choreograph its 2023-decade anniversary fashion performance of Woven.
Alumni of Cairns-based First Nations dance company, Miriki Performing Arts, whose teaching is founded on the five founding pillars of Aboriginal society – family and ceremony, connection to Country, connection to one another, laws and practices, and language – Mykelle and Jadyn Bingarape’s creative development also includes training with London’s Royal Ballet, the Australian Ballet, and Queensland Ballet.
According to the duo, one of their most powerful and pivotal experiences to date occurred during their teenage years in Cairns when they travelled to California, USA to perform in the Miriki Performing Arts production of Bayal Kaymanen (Dancing Smoke).
Featuring Yidinji Nation and Northern Pomo Dancers (northern California), the production celebrated its world premiere at CIAF in 2018, bringing together 40 performers between the ages of 7 and 70 years old to showcase the power of intergenerational storytelling and cross-cultural exchange.
Reflecting the wholistic foundations of their formative years and dance training, the Bingarape’s will imbibe CIAF’s 2023 fashion performance, Woven with references to Country, connection, lores and practices for a culturally powerful performance that is destined to “move and engage” audiences while showcasing the collections of 15 Queensland First Nations designers.
CIAF’s Artistic Director Francoise Lane said the Bingarape’s journey thus far is a beautiful story related to generational, cross-cultural learnings. “It is so very special and meaningful that CIAF exists and can leverage its platform in this way,” she said.
“We acknowledge that our position in being able to provide opportunities for young and emerging talent across performing and visual arts is a real gift. The fashion performance is one of those wonderfully multi-layered and intimate events that the audience will interpret on their own terms and differently.”
“I so warmly welcome Mykelle and Jaydn into our CIAF team and what will no doubt be a positive and life-changing experience,” said Ms Lane.
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair runs 13 – 16 July 2023. For more information and full program, visit: www.ciaf.com.au for details.
Image: Jaydn Bingarape, Gillyba Ambrum and Mykelle Bingarape. Gillyba wears a hand screen ‘seagrass’ printed jumpsuit in silk dupion by Michelle Yeatman and handwoven earrings by Philomena Yeatman from Yarrabah Arts Centre – photo by Blueclick Photography