Djilba: A Moment in Time
By Floeur Alder and Virginia Ward
(Djilba: Menang Noongar word for Spring)

2 May 2026, 3pm

Mirramu Arts Centre
849 Lake Drive, Bungendore

Djilba: A Moment in Time is a solo performance work by dancer and choreographer Floeur Alder and sculptor and writer Virginia Ward. The work evolved from a creative journey on Noongar Country in south-west Western Australia, celebrating Djilba — the Menang Noongar season of transition, emergence and growth.

Inspired by the Rainbow Coast in WA’s Great Southern region and First Nations stories from that area, the work holds a playful and meditative connection with nature.

Floeur and Virginia were honoured to work with local Traditional Owners Larry Blight and Aunty Vernice of the Menang Clan, Noongar Nation, Albany. Through these relationships, local cultural knowledge was generously shared and, with their blessing and approval, respectfully woven into the work.

In Djilba, Floeur expresses the season through dance, while Virginia responds with words and imagery. Virginia’s evocative poetry celebrates four Western Australian locations that shaped the work: Waychinicup, Many Peaks, Porongurup (Tree in the Rock and Devil’s Slide), and Little Beach/Waterfall Bay.

The work was first developed during a month-long residency at the Vancouver Arts Centre in Albany in September 2019 and premiered in Bayswater, WA in 2021.

As Alder notes, the work was created shortly after the passing of her father, Alan Alder, in 2019. In part, Djilba reflects on how immersion in nature can guide us gently through grief.

“Playful and meditative, Floeur Alder’s solo work Djilba (Spring): A Moment in Time leaves the viewer immersed in the tranquility of its bush setting.”
— Kim Balfour, Seesaw Arts Magazine (WA), 2021

“Floeur has family dancing roots deep in the ACT and magical Mirramu on the bank of Lake George, is the perfect setting for Djilba’s dance in nature aesthetic”
- Dr Cathy Adamek, Ausdance ACT, 2026

Please note:
This work is site specific and adapted each time to make it work within the environment. This work will be interpreted to fit within the Mirramu landscape.
This work is presented in nature. We invite you to come early with your picnic rug or camping chair and some snacks to enjoy before the show. Limited seating is available, please bring your own chairs or rugs to sit on the grass.

Presented by Ausdance ACT for Australian Dance Week.
Produced by Kiri Morcombe.
Staged with the support of Mirramu Arts Centre.

Please feel free to bring a picnic and your own seats blankets to Mirramu Arts Centre.

Please visit https://www.kiri.au/djilba (attending Djilba @ Mirramu | FAQ's) for more info regarding parking, what to wear/what to bring etc.

Contact the host of Djilba, A Moment In Time