Binmaga Dance

Meaning: BINMAGA...TO LIGHT UP...TO SHINE BRIGHT

Binmaga Dance is a culturally rich dance program established to preserve and celebrate the Indigenous dance traditions of the Yamatji people in the Mullewa region. Located in the heart of Western Australia's Mid-West, Mullewa is known for its vibrant community and deep connection to Aboriginal culture. The initiative was spearheaded by Preston Wall and Candice Dia, two passionate individuals dedicated to fostering cultural heritage and providing opportunities for community engagement through dance.

Key Players

• Candice: An acclaimed dancer and choreographer with Yamatji heritage, Candice has been instrumental in bringing traditional dance forms to the forefront. Her expertise in various Indigenous dance styles and his commitment to cultural education make her a key figure in the Binmaga Dance initiative.
• Preston: A cultural leader in his own right and youth worker/ leader, Preston works alongside Candice to manage the program's logistics and outreach. His efforts in community engagement and background in event coordination ensure the smooth running of the dance workshops and performances. Additionally, Preston is skilled in teaching language, Emu egg carving, and stick carving, further enriching the cultural education provided by the program.
• WAITOC/ATWA: The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and the Aboriginal Tourism Western Australia (ATWA) have been instrumental in the development of the Binmaga Dance group. Their support has been crucial in providing resources, funding, and platforms for the group's growth and outreach.
• Micromedia: A key partner in enhancing the digital presence of Binmaga Dance, Micro Media has been instrumental in developing the group's website, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages. Their expertise in digital marketing and social media management has significantly contributed to the group's success by increasing visibility and engagement.
• The Italian Opera: Through connections that Binmaga Dance have made with Claudia Alessi and Frolic, they have carried out regular dance classes within the community, created movement pieces On Country that have been captured on film and performed the beginnings of Yamatji Calisto, a piece commissioned by Frolic, at Janet Holmes à Court Gallery in Perth with the youth Binmaga Dance Group. They will be performing in Italy in 2025

Timeline

• 2022: Preston Wall and Candice Dia conceptualize the Binmaga Dance program, aiming to create a platform for the Mullewa community to connect with their cultural roots through dance.
• 2022: The first series of workshops is launched, attracting participants of all ages from Mullewa and surrounding areas. The initial response is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed sense of cultural pride.
• 2023: Binmaga Dance hosts its first public performance, showcasing the talents of workshop participants. The event garners attention from local media and cultural organizations, boosting the program's visibility.
• 2023: The program expands to include collaborations with schools and community groups, integrating dance into educational curriculums and community events.
• 2023/4: Binmaga Dance receives funding from ATWA , allowing for the purchase of new costumes and the development of a dedicated dance space in Mullewa. WAITOC and ATWA's involvement further strengthens the program's infrastructure and outreach efforts. Micro Media helped launch a dedicated website and social media platforms, enhancing the group's digital presence.
• 2024: Binmaga Dance receives a $50,000 grant to support youth crime prevention in Mullewa. This grant will be used to develop targeted programs that engage at-risk youth, providing them with constructive activities and a sense of community. ATWA was part of the support group, for this application.

Outcomes

• Demand increase: Binmaga has now seen an increase in the demand for the group to perform at local and overseas events.
• Cultural Revitalization: The program has successfully revitalized interest in Yamatji dance traditions, ensuring that these cultural practices are passed down to future generations.
• Community Engagement: Binmaga Dance has fostered a sense of community pride and cohesion, with participants forming strong bonds through their shared cultural experiences. They recently performed at the NAIDOC celebrations and other events around the Midwest
• Skill Development: Participants have gained valuable skills in dance and performance, boosting their confidence and providing opportunities for personal growth.
• Recognition: The program has gained recognition at local and regional levels, with Preston Wall and Candice Dia being invited to share their expertise at cultural festivals and events across the Midwest region. They have now been invited to perform in Italy in 2025.
• Digital Success: The development of a dedicated website, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages has significantly contributed to the group's success. These digital platforms have enhanced their visibility, facilitated communication with a broader audience, and attracted new participants and supporters.
• Product Development: ATWA's product development team assisted in structuring the business to align with tourism and cultural preservation objectives, enhancing its appeal to both local and visiting audiences. We have provided financial support in web site design, uniforms, dance attire, business cards, flyers, photography equipment, fuel cards, sound equipment and support with accommodation during performances.
• Marketing and Promotion: ATWA provided strategic guidance on marketing in collaboration with Micro media regarding promotional activities, helping Binmaga Dance gain visibility and attract a wider audience. As a board member of TGMW, I have promoted the group to the board to perform at events such as the recent Shore leave festival and for future events.
• Network Connections: ATWA Product development, facilitated connections with other cultural organizations and tourism operators, enabling collaborative opportunities and resource sharing. I have now drafted a proposal to work collaboratively with the Geraldton Museum for Binmaga to hold regular workshops and performances at the venue to promote Aboriginal arts and culture. The aim is to attract tourist coming in from Cruise ships, local schools and visitors to the region into the venue, to have a complete experience.
• Grant Assistance: The ATWA product development team supported the application process for various grants, such as the successful application for the In-Kind support from the CGG, and the recent $50,000 grant for youth crime prevention, by providing expertise and advice to the organising group.

 
The Future

• Program Expansion: Preston and Candice plan to expand the Binmaga Dance program to other towns in the Mid-West region, bringing the benefits of cultural dance to a wider audience.
• Advanced Workshops: The introduction of advanced workshops for experienced dancers, aiming to create a troupe that can perform at national and international cultural events. The hold regular workshops at the Geraldton Museum.
• Youth Outreach: Developing a youth outreach program to engage young people in Mullewa and surrounding areas, providing them with positive role models and opportunities to connect with their cultural heritage.
• Digital Presence: Enhancing the program's digital presence through continued development of their website and social media channels, sharing performances, and providing online resources for those interested in Yamatji dance.
• Collaborations: Seeking collaborations with other cultural organizations and dance companies to enrich the program and provide new opportunities for participants.
• Geraldton Museum: Collaborating with the Geraldton Museum to showcase the arts and culture of the Yamatji people. This partnership aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs at the museum, bringing greater awareness and appreciation of Indigenous traditions to a broader audience.
• Bicycle Tours: Preston Wall is planning to incorporate bicycle tours into the program's future activities. These tours will combine cultural experiences with physical activity, providing participants and visitors with a unique way to explore the Mullewa region while learning about Yamatji culture.

Key requirements.

• One of the biggest items on their list is to acquire a minibus to transport the group to and from performances.
•  A premises in Mullewa to do rehearsals/practice and to store equipment.

The Binmaga Dance program, under the leadership of Preston Wall and Candice Dia, continues to thrive as a beacon of cultural pride and community spirit in Mullewa, ensuring that the rich dance traditions of the Yamatji people are celebrated and preserved for generations to come. With the support of WAITOC, ATWA, and new collaborations like the one with the Geraldton Museum, along with a robust digital presence, the program's future looks promising, with plans for expansion and increased community impact.