Welcome to the Inspire Professional Development Program: VCE Dance
In this 90 minute, artist-led workshop, you will explore the choreographic processes and recent works of First Nations artist Joel Bray.
View the workshop
Download your resources
Artist information & curriculum links
Big Heart Story introduction
Big Heart Story lesson plans
About Joel Bray
Naarm-based Joel Bray is a proud Wiradjuri dancer and performance-maker and Artistic Director of Joel Bray Dance. He performed with European companies and choreographers and with CHUNKY MOVE. Joel’s dance-theatre encounters in unorthodox spaces spring from his Wiradjuri heritage, and use humour to engage audiences in rituals about sex, history, trauma and healing. Joel makes his work in collaboration with Elders, Community and Country.
Joel’s works- Biladurang, Dharawungara, Daddy, Considerable Sexual License, Garabari and Giraru Galing Ganhagirri – have toured to major arts festivals in Australia and overseas. Joel has made works for Artshouse, CHUNKY MOVE, Sydney Dance Company, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.
About the Big Heart Story Education Resource
The Big Heart Story Education Resource offers students unique insight into Contemporary Aboriginal dance and culture. Developed by Ausdance VIC/NSW in 2018 and updated in 2024, the education resource builds on the themes, stories and issues that lay within the choreography of Big Dance [BIG HEART STORY], choreographed by renowned choreographers Frances Rings and Craig Bary.
The comprehensive education package includes:
- An introduction and general advice
- Detailed unit plan aligned to the Curriculum
- 8-10 lesson plans per unit
- Teaching tips on inclusion and access, safe spaces, warming up and down, working to the strengths of your students, and protocols for Indigenous dance
Explore the Big Dance: Big Heart Story website >>
Acknowledgements
This program was presented in partnership with Dancehouse with the supported of the Department of Education, Victoria, through the Strategic Partnerships Program.
