For the adventurous of heart, those with a deep appreciation for nature, and those with a desire to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Forest Dance Adelaide has just the remedy with their two-hour interactive performance art ensemble.
Set in beautiful Peramangk country in the Adelaide Hills, the Farm for Wellbeing plays host, offering tranquil scenery and peaceful surroundings. Guests are led to an amphitheatre on the farm, a space of earth carved amongst the trees to act as a meeting place. A large ring of cushioned seats and minimalist staging make for a very bohemian and laid-back presentation.
After attendees are seated, a chorus of dancers makes their way to the circle, backed by a playlist incorporating motifs of chanting, drums and electronica. The dancing feels purposefully unstructured, each dancer marching to their own beat. Once the dance ends, the hosts speak of their personal relationship to nature and their desire to help others find a sense of connection both within themselves and to the earth they sit upon. Intentionality is a key theme for this gathering: the presenters encourage every attendee to think about a specific intention within themselves and how they wish to engage reflectively within the ceremony and through the medium of dance.
For the first hour, the hosts interact with us through a blend of guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. The influences are global, touching on aspects of Hindu, Mayan and North American cultural rituals. After implementing burning sage to cleanse participants and the surrounding area, guests are then treated to a cacao drinking ceremony. Often used as an aid for deeper emotional connection and healing, the hosts take a slow and deliberate approach to the sharing and ingestion of cacao. They commentate on the ritual’s power to foster openness of the heart, to allow for a greater sense of clarity and purpose. If nothing else, it becomes a great tool for relaxation.
As the second hour crosses over, the music is reincorporated into the performance. Guests are encouraged to join their hosts for a dance, as slowly and gently or as spontaneous and impulsive as they desire. As time passes, the numbers grow and eventually nearly every participant is on their feet and dancing to the changing rhythms. The DJ incorporates his guitar, flute and vocal chanting in with the sound mixing, making for a fun and eclectic dance soundtrack. The dancing is quite enjoyable in its own right, becoming an act of collective purpose that continues well past sunset. Indeed, it’s hard not to be swept up in the moment as people from all walks of life join in, each person incorporating their own sense of rhythm and spontaneity.
Admittedly, there are aspects of Forest Dance that may not be for the casual Fringe goer. The setting may be a tad too intimidating or intimate for some to engage with to their fullest, and the cultural ceremonies themselves might not offer universal appeal when used outside of non-indigenous contexts. The presence of a representative from the local Peramangk custodians could also have made for a stronger sense of connection to the land, as there was a sense of disconnect utilising more global themes of spirituality over more local traditions and practices.
For the open-minded, however, it can be a great opportunity for catharsis. A gentle approach to group therapy where individuals are encouraged to express themselves freely. At its best, it is an invitation to experience a uniquely interpersonal event, one that shifts the perspective back onto the audience who become active participants in the story.
With a focus on personal healing and group connection, Forest Dance offers a chance to recentre the focus from the business of everyday life to that of community and nature and to release our inhibitions through the restorative power of movement.
(Note: smoke is used in some of the ceremonial practices, so attendees with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities may need to take precautions)
3.5/5 Three and a half stars