“Gela is a dancer, but she is also a vivid storyteller with a forceful dramatic presence.”
Sydney Morning Herald
Koedal (Crocodile) and Waumer (Frigate Bird) woman Ghenoa Gela is a strong Torres Strait Islander woman from Rockhampton, Central Queensland. Her background is in Torres Strait Island dance and since receiving a Diploma in Careers in Dance, she has been a Sydney based independent Performing Artist working across Dance, Circus, Television and Stage.
Some credits include: Mura Buai – Everyone, Everyone, Choreographer/Co-Director with Artistic Director Danielle Micich; Nothing to Lose (Force Majeure), additional choreography with Kate Champion; #GenuaGela, Performer/Choreographer/Director (Nula Nura Residency, Performance Space); Move it Mob Style, Choreographer & In-Studio Host; Top 100, So You Think You Can Dance Australia 2014; Dance Site, Booraloola NT, Facilitator; The Piper, (My Darling Patricia), Edinburgh Fringe 2015; Fragments of Malungoka – Women of the Sea (Keir Choreographic Award – winner 2016).
Ghenoa also facilitates dance workshops in urban, regional and remote communities. Ghenoa conducted dance workshops at the inaugural Boomerang Festival, as well as at regional and remote festivals. A highlights was helping to facilitate a program that helped an Aboriginal community to embrace new ways of creating new songs and dances for the future of their community.
Ghenoa’s arts practice is inspired by her family stories and her passion to share her Torres Strait Islander culture. She aspires to inspire.