The Department of Tourism and Culture’s Araluen Arts Centre is pleased to present Josephine Wants to Dance, a new Australian play based on the award winning picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.

“We are excited to present the captivating story of Josephine Wants to Dance live on the Araluen stage from the award-winning Monkey Baa Theatre Company,” Senior Director of the Department of Tourism and Culture’s Araluen Cultural Precinct, Dr Mark Crees said.

“This captivating story about dreams and believing in yourself is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and features choreography from the Australian Ballet Company’s Tim Harbour.”

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance.  Her little brother, Joey, tells her that kangaroos don’t dance, they hop – but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air.

When a ballet troupe comes to town, Josephine learns that there is another way to dance – ballet. She watches the dancers for hours and hours, and practices their moves at night… all alone.

On the day of the first performance the Ballet Company find themselves in trouble and need an understudy to replace their Prima Ballerina. Who could dance the lead role? Who else could leap that high?

Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’s a kangaroo?

“Josephine Wants to Dance features a hilarious musical score, stunning set and costumes and an ensemble of Australian animals that your family will fall in love with,” Dr Crees said.

Eva Di Cesare and Sandra Eldridge, Creative Directors of Monkey Baa Theatre Company said “We absolutely adored adapting Josephine for the stage. Josephine encompasses all the good things about curiosity and perseverance and we know everyone will love her as much as we do. We are also incredibly thrilled to be partnering with The Australian Ballet.”

Josephine Wants to Dance will be live onstage at the Araluen Arts Centre on Tuesday 7 August at 6:00pm and on Wednesday 8 August at 10:00am and 1:00pm.

Ticket prices are $22.00 for both adults and children.  School groups are $16.00 per person.

Tickets are available online at www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au or from the Araluen Box Office on (08) 8951 1122.

Media interview
Araluen Cultural Precinct Director, Dr Mark Crees 08 8951 1126