Josephine Hyes, Denmark Bulletin

Denmark choreographer Annette Carmichael is casting movement across 1000km, releasing an epic of hope, in her latest grand-scale community dance performance.

The Stars Descend is revealed in five chapters through five outdoor performances from March 17.

The odyssey begins in Margaret River and journeys to Northcliffe, Porongurup, Fitzgerald Biosphere and Kalgoorlie.

Each performance ends with a community celebration.

This project includes the work of 25 artists and more than 100 community participants to inspire climate action.

The Stars Descend gathers people and environment to express and instil connections to land and waters, highlighting the protection and revegetation of a 1000km wildlife pathway, Gondwana Link.

Local communities have collaborated with choreographers at each location involving farmers, scientists, conservationists, nurses, and artists and more.

Each chapter unfolds amid nature in bush settings, with dance soloists, Janine Oxenham and Russell Thorpe, performing together as stars throughout.

Director Annette said stars were powerful symbols of hope, agency and action.

They represented ideas of deep time and the interconnectedness of people and the natural world.

“The aim of this project is to create extraordinary memories that will transform how people see and care for country,” she said.

The Stars Descend emerges from years of practice, leadership and collaboration and a commitment to community.

Annette said in the final weeks of preparation, there had been a palpable energy and connection between each community and across the Gondwana Link.

Annette will take a well-earned pause afterwards, but this trail of dance and connected community is sure to sow seeds of hope and spark creative connections for years to come.

For tickets and more information, visit: https://heartlandjourneys.com.au/the-stars-descend/

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 9 March 2023.