Dance with Tom: A Joyful ABC Show Teaching First Nations Culture Through Dance
ABC's Dance with Tom is hosted by dancer-choreographer and proud Minjungbal/Wiradjuri man Thomas E.S. Kelly, offering an irresistibly joyous experience for young viewers who love to move. With an infectiously excitable host, fun animations, and easy-to-learn dance moves, this series explores First Nations culture in a way that captivates both children and adults alike.
Navigating Screen Time with Educational Content
Parents often grapple with concerns about screen time, debating what is acceptable and what shows are beneficial. Into this complex discussion steps Dance with Tom, a delightfully simple and expertly crafted program that uses oral storytelling, animation, and choreography to impart First Nations stories, dance, and language. ABC has released five short episodes on iView, but the series has quickly become a household favorite, adored by toddlers and their extended families.
Exploring First Nations Traditions Through Dance
In the show, Kelly guides viewers through cultural traditions from the Yugambeh Language Region in south-east Queensland. He shares stories about elements like the sun (Nyunga), the wedge-tailed eagle (Mibunn), and soldier crabs (Boongoo Boongoo), pairing each with simple dances that kids can easily mimic. For instance, the kangaroo dance (Kuruhman) involves playful movements that imitate scratching and twitching ears, making it a hit with young audiences.
Kelly describes the series as a "circuit breaker," providing bite-sized episodes that encourage family participation. Children often request "Dance, Tom," leading to interactive sessions where families join Kelly's on-screen dance troupe, which includes kids of various skill levels, his wife Taree Sansbury, and their daughter.
Creative Collaboration and Cultural Respect
The production features bold animations by Kalkadoon artist Breanna Buttenshaw and music from Meanjin-based composer Glen Hunt, both complementing Kelly's buoyant storytelling. Despite his background as a Naisda Dance College graduate and artistic director of Karul Projects, Kelly remains attuned to engaging younger viewers, having previously created the YouTube project Shake a Leg during Covid lockdowns.
Initially hesitant about being the right person for the ABC Kids series, Kelly was chosen for his dynamic creativity and deep respect for Country. The show's development was guided by Kombumerri and Mununjali Elder Aunty Faith Baisden, who co-wrote the series with director Dean Gibson, ensuring cultural authenticity and a collaborative spirit.
A Vision for Broader Cultural Engagement
Kelly envisions Dance with Tom expanding across Australia to engage with diverse Aboriginal communities and share their unique stories. He emphasizes that First Nations Australian culture is a truly Australian treasure, and by embracing it, everyone can gain pride and ownership in representing it globally. The show, with episodes under five minutes each, feels rich and expansive despite its simplicity, thanks to the team's shared creativity and cultural guidance.
Dance with Tom is more than just a cute kids' series; it's an opportunity to celebrate and preserve traditions that are vital to Australia's First Nations communities. Available for streaming on ABC iView, it continues to inspire and educate viewers of all ages.
