Antenna Award…and what it really meant to me.

So last weekend, November 15th at the bi-annual national community TV awards (The Antennas) held in Melbourne, I was fortunate to grab best documentary for my project EveryBody Dance. It’s a beautiful project that was steered by the Mount Barker District Council in Adelaide South Australia, and a collaboration with Channel 44. When I was approached to direct and produce this idea from my good friend Sally who is the Arts Officer (within a week of the program starting!) it was initially just to document the 6 week program in some way and maybe the performance at the end. When I found out the content I was adamant this should be more than just a video record for the archives. I didn’t know what we’d get and how to go about it, but with me and my single camera/audio guy Oliver, we turned up and hoped for the best…kinda how I like to roll anyway :).

So the concept was to hold a 2-3 hour workshop over 6 weeks with participants within the intellectually disabled community, facilitated by the wonderful Adrianne and Tanya, who were so kind and welcoming and patient with everyone. I could see the joy in everyone’s faces when they did simple dance moves, creating stories with their bodies, using ribbons and other items to create something artistic. And I’ll bring it back to the word joy for a moment…as this was the hook for me during that time.

Every single participant (and there were approximately 20 on any given week, were always so encouraging of each other. They all laughed (not at) but with each other when someone did something playful, and even wanted to try it for themselves. They supported each other, gave hugs when needed, and allowed each other’s creative ideas to flow from one to the next without hindrance.

In my 40+ years of doing creative projects there is always usually some sticking egos, or clashes of ideas, or someone wanting to take credit over another’s contribution, that this experience reminded me of the pure joy the creative arts can provide. Especially for those who see it as such a freeing outlet from their daily struggles. I was fortunate enough to be able to get a couple of interviews in the process. One of the volunteers who was so amazed at what she was witnessing, and even one of the participants. If you go watch the doco (on my channel here or via CTV+ (Community TV App) or Mount Barker Council website, you’ll know what I mean by energy this guy has. He was a shining light in the process and epitomised the concept of free flowing love and admiration for his craft.

I guess my takeaway (apart from an extremely heavy trophy that would be the best paperweight in a storm!), is a reminder to just take every moment for the joyful opportunities that surround us. Don’t take things for granted, see the joy in others and celebrate with them. Support one another regardless of indifference, and make the most of every day you can while you have it.

And of course, whenever possible…dance freely as much as you can.