Author Archives: Heather

Partners

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology The Abbey Museum is the auspicing body for the national tour (2021-2024) of the exhibition Dancing in Fetters: the culture of convict dance. The tour is funded by the Australian Government’s Visions of … Continue reading

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Visions of Australia

Major Federal Funding for a National Tour Such exciting news to share – we have received Major Federal Funding for a National Tour of the exhibition ‘Dancing in Fetters: the culture of convict dance’, based on doctoral research undertaken by … Continue reading

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The Rocks: Feb – April 2023

We are excited to announce an additional venue in our tour! Rocks Discovery Museum in the heart of Sydney, is set to host the Dancing in Fetters exhibition from 1 February to 28 April, 2023. The Rocks is a perfect … Continue reading

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Notable convicts

Read the stories of convicts notable for the music and dancing in their lives. Edward Elliot was a highly respected dancing master from Ireland whose life was turned around when he was accused of rebellion and sent as a convict … Continue reading

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Captain John Piper – Prince of Australia

Captain John Piper loved to dance. A leading figure in the early colony, he created an elegant and luxuriant lifestyle with music and dancing at its heart and became known as the Prince of Australia.1 It is 200 years since … Continue reading

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Convicts at Woolmers Symposium

Convicts at Woolmers: Convict Research Symposium Saturday 3 September 2022 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Woolmers, along with Brickendon, is world-heritage listed for its ability to illustrate the assignment system of convict transportation in practice. This symposium included presentations on … Continue reading

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Woolmers Estate: July – September 2022

Dancing in Fetters: the culture of convict dance exhibition is on show in the the Nigel Peck Long Gallery and the Frances Mary Archer Gallery. 21st July to 11th September The “Dancing in Fetters” exhibition provides an understanding of an … Continue reading

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Convict Culture Week on Norfolk Island

19 May 2023 – 27 May 2023 Celebrating Maconochie’s Frolic For one day in 1840 the convicts on Norfolk Island were encouraged to dance, sing and play.  On 25 May they celebrated the birthday of the young Queen Victoria in … Continue reading

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Ross, Tasmania: April – June 2022

Venue Two: Museum at the Tasmanian Wool Centre, Ross 8 April – 26 June 202248 Church Street, Ross, TAS 7209. View Map Dancing in Fetters brings convict dancing to the Tasmanian Midlands. Venue two in our national tour: the Museum … Continue reading

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Brisbane: Nov 2021 – March 2022

Commissariat Store Museum 26 November 2021 – 8 March 2022William Street, Brisbane The first venue in the national tour of Dancing in Fetters: the culture of convict dance was the Commissariat Store Museum in the heart of Brisbane. The Commissariat … Continue reading

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